Media Statement

11 March 2020

President Ramaphosa departs to the Republic of Congo for Working Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 11 March 2020 departed the Republic of South Africa to Oyo, in the Republic of Congo for the Inaugural Meeting of the Contact Group on Libya, scheduled to take place from 11 – 12 March 2020.

His Excellency Denis Sassou N’Guesso, President of the Republic of Congo, invited President Ramaphosa to attend the meeting as the Chair of the African Union.

The 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, which took place in February 2020, where President Ramaphosa assumed the Chairship of the AU for 2020, expressed concerned over the situation in Libya.

In his capacity as the Chairperson of the African Union High-Level Committee (HLC) on Libya, President N’Guesso briefed the African Union regarding the military confrontations between Libyan parties and continuous external political and military interference, which created a dangerous situation not only for Libya but the region and the Continent at large.

The Assembly decided to establish a Contact Group, chaired by the Republic of Congo and include members of the AU HLC to provide political leadership and promote coordination of international efforts in the search for a solution to the Libyan crisis.

The African Union stressed the need for an inclusive process of dialogue amongst all Libyan parties to the conflict.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Minister of State Security, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo will form part of President’s delegation to the meeting.

Deputy President David Mabuza will be Acting President until President Ramaphosa returns to the country.

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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