Johannesburg, February 24: The African Union (AU) has slammed the brutal crackdown on civilians in Libya, asking for an end to the suppression of pro-democracy protesters.
The African body said in statement issued on Wednesday that it “condemns the disproportionate use of force against civilians and deeply deplores the many human lives lost so far,” AFP reported.
AU Commission chief, Jean Ping, said he followed the crisis in Libya “with great concern” and was making attempts through communication with Libyan authorities to stop the bloodshed.
Pro-democracy protests have been intensified with more cities, including the capital city of Tripoli, falling out of the control of security forces.
Reports said the revolution flag is now flying over Tajuraa city, close to Tripoli. The western cities of Zwaara and Azzawiya are also under the control of the protesters.
More defiance has been reported among army ranks and an increasing number of soldiers are now joining the popular revolution.
A military aircraft crashed near the eastern city of Benghazi on Wednesday after pilots refused to bomb peaceful pro-democracy protesters.
Meanwhile, the violent clampdown by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime continues.
Despite growing condemnation of the violence in Libya by world leaders, some Western countries, mainly Italy, have raised concerns over loss of their economic interests and have ignored the crimes against humanity committed by Gaddafi’s despotic regime.
Reports widely indicate that government’s crackdown on protesters has left at least 1,000 protesters dead over the past several days.
——–Agencies