Women, Peace & Security
Source: AllAfrica
The Namibia National Women's Organisation (Nanawo) has expressed serious concern over the Libyan situation and condemned attacks on Libya by "some European and American selfish economic expansion forces".
"It is very sad to note how international organisation fuels the situation through military intervention," said Nanawo's chief for information and mobilisation, Eunice Iipinge.
"One should not extinguish fire with fire, particularly the [United Nations] Security Council which is supposed to promote peace and security to all."
The organisation said it is in support of the African Union (AU) position to deal with the hostility in Libya, and not military intervention.
Nanawo called upon the UN Security Council (UNSC) to "secure peace and put an end to the oil war" in Libya.
Political analyst Phanuel Kaapama last week commented that the UNSC resolution 1973 does not provide a clear roadmap for a resolution of the Libyan crisis.
He questioned how long the no-fly zone could remain imposed on Libya, and wondered what would happen if belligerents on the ground would not heed Nato's calls for a ceasefire.
Kaapama further questioned Nato's future role, as ruler Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's forces have reportedly retreated.
"Based on these facts, there can either come a political solution, or it could lead to the partitioning of Libya and prolong the civil war," said Kaapama.
"What is required," he said, "is a very comprehensive roadmap that would be in the interests of the Libyan people."
He added that a multilateral approach to the crisis is needed.
"I hope human life, the infrastructure and economy of Libya do not suffer to the point which would make a starting point more difficult than what it is," said Kaapama.
The AU high-level ad hoc committee met on Friday in Addis Ababa where consensus was reached on elements of a roadmap that seeks an early solution to the Libyan crisis with international integrity.
The meeting was attended by the Peace and Security Council, neighbouring countries of Libya and other countries in the region, as well as multilateral and bilateral AU partners that included the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Conference, and the European Union.
Consensus was reached for the protection of civilians and the cessation of hostilities; humanitarian assistance to affected populations, both Libyans and foreign migrant workers, particularly those from Africa; and the initiation of a political dialogue between the Libyan parties to arrive at an agreement on the modalities to end the crisis.
The meeting also decided on the establishment and management of an inclusive transitional period that would lead to the setting up of democratic institutions, the holding of elections, and for the adoption and implementation of political reforms necessary to meet the aspirations of the Libyan people, the rule of law and good governance.
It said dialogue between the Libyan government and in particular the Transitional National Council (TNC) should be facilitated, and asked for these parties to give their full cooperation and to participate "with the required flexibility and spirit of responsibility" in preliminary consultations leading up to peace talks.