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The Democratic Alliance (DA) is disappointed by the ANC’s outright refusal to condemn the murderous actions of the Libyan dictator, Muammar Gadaffi. As ordinary Libyan people protesting for democracy continue to be killed by Gadaffi’s forces, all political parties that believe in democracy and human rights should be condemning this oppression with one voice. This need is made all the more urgent by Gadaffi’s address yesterday, which revealed that he intends to unleash the full force of the Libyan military on his own people.

That seems to be a bridge too far for the ANC.

Yesterday in Parliament, the DA proposed the following motion without notice be adopted by the House:

‘I move without notice, that the house;

1. Strongly condemns the killing of 233 protesters by the Libyan government;
2. Further condemns continued use of military force by the Libyan government against pro-democracy protesters;
3. Extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of those who have lost their lives;
4. Calls upon the South African government to unreservedly condemn the use of violence by the Libyan government.’

The ANC refused to accept this motion.

In so doing, the ANC has revealed that when presented the choice of supporting the spread of democracy or siding with their dictator of choice, they will choose the latter every time. This is nothing more than base hypocrisy from a party that purports to stand for human rights, democracy and justice.

As the wave of democracy spreads over North Africa and the Middle East, the ANC has decided to sit on the wrong side of history. This is a party that has requested that the African Union (AU) celebrate its centenary. For the people of Africa, whom the ANC will not support, there appears precious little to celebrate.