East African states take split positions on Libya - East African

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The Laico Regency Hotel, one of Libyan investments in Kenya. Picture: File 

East African countries have adopted conflicting positions on the developments in Libya, with some refusing to recognise the National Transition Council (NTC).

While Kenya and Tanzania have declined to recognise the transition council, Rwanda has given it full support.

In Kenya, opinion seems divided over whether to recognise the NTC. Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Mwangi Thuita argued that the NTC by its name is transitional, and as a matter of policy, Kenya does not recognise regimes but states.

But former acting Foreign Minister Prof George Saitoti recently said Kenya was willing to work with the NTC to stabilise the North African country. Earlier, Prime Minister Raila Odinga had urged deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to surrender power.

Libya owns a number of businesses in Kenya, including petroleum company Oilibya and the Laico Regency Hotel. It is not only Kenya in a dilemma, but also neighbouring Uganda, where Gaddafi invested heavily, including building a modern mosque.

The Libyan Arab Foreign Investment Company owns a 49 per cent stake in the Uganda National Housing and Construction Company, 69 per cent in Uganda Telcom Ltd and 99 per cent in Tropical Bank.

So far, Kampala has taken no position on Libya. Tanzania has followed the AU script, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Bernard Membe maintaining that Tanzania would recognise the group only once it formed a government.

Rwanda has, however, pledged unequivocal support for the NTC, with Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, calling for the establishment of an inclusive and democratic government in Libya. It has also urged AU to play a much more proactive role in a democratic and peaceful transition in Libya.

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