There he discussed the importance of the contact group in providing political leadership and promoting international coordination to resolve the crisis in Libya.

The President said that the structure has been established pursuant to the decision of the 33rd Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government that was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 9 and 10 February.

Ramaphosa, who is chairperson of the African Union, says there has been a further deterioration of the peace and security situation in Libya, and this has, in turn, worsened the already grave humanitarian situation, with military activity in the capital of Tripoli escalating.

President Ramaphosa further said that on 20 February, Tripoli came under heavy rocket fire, breaking the ceasefire that was in place at the time. 

He said that continued political and military interference by external factors in the affairs of Libya undermined the fundamental interests and rights of the Libyan people and their aspirations for freedom, peace, democracy and development.

Ramaphosa has called for a ceasefire to be implemented with urgent and immediate effect.

The president said he was disappointed that the much-anticipated ceasefire talks of the Libyan Joint Military Group in Geneva, Switzerland from the 18 to 24 February did not result in a positive outcome.

Ramaphosa said that convening this contact group was a resounding affirmation it was the Libyan people, and them alone, who must determine the country’s future course, and that "our role is to actively support them in this regard". 

The AU chair said that he wished to reiterate that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Libya.

The president said that the negotiation of a ceasefire, its enforcement and observation was the critical first step in creating conducive conditions for lasting peace in Libya.

African News Agency