The Hindu : S. Africa, Libya vie for leadership role

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 09, 2002

International

International

S. Africa, Libya vie for leadership role

DURBAN (South Africa) JULY 8. Moammar Gadhafi arrived for the birth of the African Union in an ostentatious flourish with a planeload of luxury armoured vehicles and his own elaborate security detail.

But the Libyan leader, who has never hidden his desire to lead Africa, was quickly put in his place by his South African hosts, who said they will be responsible for his security, not his coterie of bodyguards.

It was yet another victory for the South African President, Thabo Mbeki, in his struggle with Mr. Gadhafi over who will lead the world's poorest continent in the beginning of the 21st Century.

Mr. Gadhafi fancies himself the father of the African Union, the new continental body that will replace the 39-year-old Organisation for African Unity at a summit of African leaders which began on Monday.

But it is Mr. Mbeki who has spearheaded efforts to ensure the new organisation promotes democracy and good governance and works to bring Africa out of poverty.

``At crux is two competing views for the continent,'' said political analyst Chris Landsberg. ``When it comes to Africa, not only does Mbeki have a clear vision of where to take the continent, but it is one of substance, of governance and responsibility.'' Mr. Gadhafi, cast out as a player in West Asia, simply is looking to make his mark in Africa, analysts and some African officials say.

``He (Gadhafi) was so desperate to restore his image and find a new role, he latched onto the idea of Africa,'' said Mr. Landsberg, co-director of the Centre for Africa's International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand.

``Clearly, no democratic figure, he subscribes to open chequebook diplomacy.'' In a bid to woo African states, Mr. Gadhafi has paid $2.2 million to cover the OAU membership dues for 11 countries. He has also given aid to African nations, bailing out the Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe, when his country was suffering a severe fuel shortage. — AP

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