AU condemns Libya violence
The African Union has condemned "the disproportionate use of force" against civilians in Libya and expressed regret at the loss of life there. The pan-African body said in a statement that AU chief Jean Ping was following the situation in Libya "with great concern". Ping is "in contact with the Libyan authorities and will pursue his efforts for an end to the spilling of blood," the statement said. Libyan leader Gaddafi lobbied for the setting up of the 53-member AU, which was proclaimed in 2001 in Libya and which replaced the Organisation of African Unity.
Sudan's Foreign Ministry accused Darfur rebels of involvement in Libyan protests against the country's leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Libyan leader Gaddafi has long hosted Sudanese rebels from the Darfur region, including the leader of the main rebel group, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), Khalil Ibrahim.
Witnesses have said Gaddafi has used African mercenaries to fight his people as he tries to crush the protests against his rule.
"There are elements from the Darfur rebels involved with the unfortunate events happening in Libya right now," Foreign Ministry spokesman Khalid Musa said.
He added the ministry had proof the rebels were involved in the clashes but didn't give any more details.
JEM has said it has no fighters in Libya. "These allegations are very offensive and show no sensitivity towards the hundreds of thousands of Sudanese who live in Libya. They will be put in jeopardy as being seen as mercenaries or taking sides," a senior JEM official said.
Sudan's Foreign Ministry say there around half a million Sudanese live in Libya. The Sudanese government has formed an emergency group to help Sudanese fleeing the Libyan violence.
The head of the emergency group says a 100 to 200 people have already fled across the remote border to Sudan.
source: Reuters
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