The African Union strongly condemns recent acts of violence in Libya

Addis Ababa, 28 July 2013: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, strongly condemns the killing, in Benghazi, Libya, on 26 July 2013, of Abdelsalam al-Mismari, a lawyer and prominent political activist. She pays tribute to him for his steadfastness and commitment to democracy and human rights in Libya. She calls on the Libyan Government to take all actions required to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are swiftly identified and brought to justice.

Also deeply concerned with the other security incidents, including killings and bombings, that occurred recently in Libya, the Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU's full support to the efforts of the Libyan institutions to address the current security challenges. At this critical juncture, she urges all Libyan stakeholders to place the interest of their country above any other consideration and to make renewed efforts towards the successful completion of the ongoing transition and the fulfillment of the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people to the rule of law, democracy and good governance.