SOUTH AFRICA: African analyst says deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi most likely to stay within the borders of his own country
Record ID:
452356
SOUTH AFRICA: African analyst says deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi most likely to stay within the borders of his own country
- Title: SOUTH AFRICA: African analyst says deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi most likely to stay within the borders of his own country
- Date: 8th September 2011
- Summary: PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA (SEPTEMBER 7, 2011) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES INSTITUTE LOGO DR. ISSAKA K. SOUARE, SENIOR RESEARCHER, POINTING TO MAP OF AFRICA (SOUNDBITE) (English) DR. ISSAKA K. SOUARE, SENIOR RESEARCHER, INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES, SAYING: "The likelihood of him going to some Sahelian countries, Niger or Burkina Faso, because he would want to be in a place that is safe, where he could escape NTC or carry out his activities, you cannot exclude it, however, if he had the choice and he thinks about it, I think it would be quite hazardous and risky for him because these are two poor countries. So if he were to go to any of these countries, Western countries that have been supporting the NTC can certainly put pressure on these countries to extradite him. Burkina Faso - I think that it is very unlikely." MAP OF LIBYA (SOUNDBITE) (English) DR. ISSAKA K. SOUARE, SENIOR RESEARCHER, INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES, SAYING: "I don't think neither Chad nor Algeria can withstand such a pressure unless he goes there into hiding whereby he would be safe there under some strict conditions that he can't engage in any political activities. But other than that he could go there if he doesn't have any options, but he might as well remain in Libya." MAP OF LIBYA (SOUNDBITE) (English) DR. ISSAKA K. SOUARE, SENIOR RESEARCHER, INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES, SAYING: "They need to fill certain conditions in broadening their base because they are still a Eastern regional grouping. So they have to reach out to others to form an inclusive governments. And then, African migrants who are there and black Libyans have been persecuted and killed by the rebels on accusations that Gaddafi had African mercenaries on his side. I haven't been able to verify that. Anyway, because of that many have been and are still being killed and African Union wants it end to that and reassurance that is not going to happen." VARIOUS OF UNION BUILDING, SOUTH AFRICAN PARLIAMENT (3 SHOTS)
- Embargoed: 23rd September 2011 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: South Africa, South Africa
- Country: South Africa
- Topics: Conflict,International Relations,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA3A6SRY6QV75XDSPGWLWCU1JNT
- Story Text: As the world speculates where Muammar Gaddafi would seek refuge, an expert on African conflict prevention with Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies, said on Wednesday (September 7) that deposed Libyan leader was most likely to stay within the borders of his own country rather than heading for Sahelian neighbours which could be pressured by the West to extradite him.
"The likelihood of him going to some Sahelian countries, Niger or Burkina Faso, because he would want to be in a place that is safe, where he could escape NTC or carry out his activities, you cannot exclude it, however, if he had the choice and he thinks about it, I think it would be quite hazardous and risky for him because these are two poor countries. So if he were to go to any of these countries Western countries that have been supporting the NTC can certainly put pressure on these countries to extradite him. Burkina Faso - I think that it is very unlikely," said Dr. Issaka K. Souare, senior researcher with the Institute for security studies.
"I don't think neither Chad nor Algeria can withstand such a pressure unless he goes there into hiding whereby he would be safe there under some strict conditions that he can't engage in any political activities. But other than that he could go there if he doesn't have any options, but he might as well remain in Libya," he added.
One of the leading African think tanks, the Institute for Security Studies works closely with the African Unity which has not yet recognized NTC as the official representative of Libya within the AU.
AU has be actively involved in mediating truce between Gaddafi and the rebel leaders. Gaddafi had accepted AU's road plan but NTC hadn't.
AU now seeks reassurances from the new Libyan leaders there will be no persecution of Gaddafi loyalists and that the future government will be representative of wide political spectrum.
"They need to fill certain conditions in broadening their base because they are still an Eastern regional grouping. So they have to reach out to others to form an inclusive government. And than African migrants who are there and black Libyans have been persecuted and killed by the rebels on accusations that Gaddafi had African mercenaries on his side. I haven't been able to verify that. Anyway, because of that many have been and are still being killed and African Union wants it end to that and reassurance that is not going to happen," said Souare.
More than 60 countries have recognised the NTC so far, with China saying on Tuesday it will recognise the NTC as the legitimate government "when conditions are ripe". - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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