Intention of the African Union and South African Government to address the aftermath of the conflicts in Libya and Mali and ensure the rebuilding of the countries after the recent conflicts
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR ORAL REPLY
QUESTION NO: 6 (273E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 1-2013 OF 6 MARCH 2013
MS CC SEPTEMBER (ANC) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
How does (a) the African Union in general and (b) the Government in particular intend to (i) address the aftermath of the conflicts in Libya and Mali and (ii) ensure the rebuilding of the specified countries after the recent conflicts?
REPLY:
LIBYA:
(a)(i) The African Union (AU) meeting held at the level of Heads of State and Government on 27 and 28 January 2013, noted with satisfaction the transition process in Libya and encouraged all the players concerned to do everything possible to meet the expectations generated by the popular revolution. Notwithstanding the positive developments in Libya, it has been acknowledged that major challenges still remain, including security sector reform to ensure stability and rebuilding the economy successfully.
(a)(ii) The AU Commission, through its AU Liaison Office in Tripoli, and working closely with the UN as well as other AU partners in the country, is continuing to support the transitional process. The AU reiterated its support for the Transition and the need for continued engagement between Libya and its neighbours to address common security and related challenges.
(b)(i and ii) South Africa has committed to assist Libya in its road to democratic transformation. To this end, we have also offered to share with the Libyan government our experiences in transitional justice and the transformation of the state; unification of the statutory and non-statutory forces; providing medical assistance to the wounded combatants; and the reconstruction and development of the Libyan economy.
MALI:
(a) The African Union (AU) meeting held at the level of Heads of State and Government on 27 and 28 January 2013, reaffirmed the relevance of the Strategic Concept for the Resolution of the Crisis in Mali as endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council. In short, the Strategic Concept aims to outline a comprehensive approach to the resolution of the crisis facing Mali, on the basis of the needs and priorities identified by the Malian authorities and in line with relevant AU, ECOWAS and UN pronouncements.
The Strategic Concept articulates in a holistic manner the political, security and other measures that need to be taken to address the Malian Crisis. As such the Strategic Concept, has the following desired end-state: QUOTE: “the AU and ECOWAS, with the support of the international community, is to contribute to the creation of the necessary conditions for a stable democratic Malian State responsive to the needs of all its citizens, fully exercising its authority over its national territory and effectively assuming its responsibilities in addressing regional security and other challenges” UNQUOTE.
The AU has mandated the Chairperson of the Commission to develop a comprehensive strategy for post-conflict reconstruction in Mali. The strategy has to be developed in close consultation with the Government of Mali, ECOWAS and bilateral and multilateral partners. It will further be linked to the AU’s Strategy for the Sahel as well as the African Solidarity Initiative (ASI).
(b)(i) South Africa committed her support to the deployment of an African-Led Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) and capacity building initiatives in the Malian Defence and Security Forces through the AU and has thus pledged $10 Million to that effect.
(b)(ii) South Africa has long standing relations with the government and the people of Mali. In this regard, South Africa will continue providing the necessary support to Mali’s transitional government and the transition roadmap, through the AU and UN, as well as supporting the mediation efforts by ECOWAS. Furthermore, South Africa remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Mali and the affected areas in the Sahel region.
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