Finally, The African Union Deserts Its Friend Gaddafi

In what must surely be one its its most dramatic moves ever, the African Union (AU) has finally denied Libya's embattled leader, Gaddafi, its support. As usual, the African Union is late to see the masochism of one of its own. Left to the African Union, Gaddafi could have killed the people of Benghazi long ago and regained power in Libya. Where the African Union could have led by seeing Gaddafi for who he is right from the beginning of the uprisings in Libya, they preferred to cozy up to him and let the West to lead the way. In fact, it even appears that it was international pressure that forced the AU to see the light concerning the situation in Libya. One of the miracles of contemporary African politics is that the African Union somehow continues to remain relevant in spite of its repeated failure to call its rogue members to order. The AU's rejection of Gaddafi was long overdue. This move, however, still leaves much to be desired because the AU does not appear to have any means to make sure that Gaddafi steps down.