Africa Union must intervene to help solve the Libyan crisis - Merkel

The African union (AU) must intervene in seeking an end to the crisis in Libya, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said whiles in Ethiopia, on the last leg of her trip to Africa.

“I am expressly in favour of the African Union bringing its influence to bear to help solve the conflict,” Merkel said in a speech to the African Union, adding Libya had become a “sad example” of the consequences of state structures collapsing.

Merkel also emphasized that African states had to increase their efforts in fighting Islamist militants and illegal migration. In so doing, there was the need to introduce democratic and economic reforms to undermine terrorist activity, she added.

The German chancellor was at the AU headquarters for the inauguration of the Julius Nyerere AU Peace and Security Department building that was funded by her country. She had earlier met with the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Desalegn Hailemariam.

German Chancellor AngelaMerkel delivering her opening speech at launching of PSD #JuliusNyerere building #SilencingTheGuns pic.twitter.com/T48kDFeJAr

— African Union Peace (@AU_PSD) October 11, 2016

Libya descended into chaos in 2011 after French forces ousted Gaddafi, who ruled Libya for close to five decades. The north African country has since been split among rivals governments ruling different parts.

READ MORE Obama: Aftermath of Gaddafi overthrow, ‘worst mistake as president’

Even though the UN backed government in Tripoli led by Fayez al-Sarraj has gained international trust and support over the last few months, the activities of other eastern governments continue to undermine its authority.

Islamic State insurgents have also taken parts of Sirte until recently when forces loyal to the GNA launched a massive onslaught to drive them out. The insurgents have been fighting back usually using suicide bomb attacks.

Merkel has also promised to make Africa a priority for Germany’s G20 presidency next year. Her three nation tour of Africa started in Mali, to Niger and ends in Ethiopia, where she has called on the government to respect protesters and for police to be proportionate in their response to protests.