The African Union (AU) is under intense pressure to halt the ongoing slave trade in Libya.
Several Africans have mounted pressure on the AU since a CNN documentary emerged about the slave trade in Libya, with the Pan African Writers’ Association (PAWA) being the latest group to urge the continental body to act swiftly and bring an end to atrocities being meted out to African nationals on the African soil.
The sale of African migrants as plantation labourers for fees ranging between $400 and $500 has been described by many in the international community as a form of modern-day slavery, and some African countries like Nigeria have started sending aircraft to Libya to airlift their citizens who are reportedly trapped in the slave market.
PAWA, in a release signed by its Secretary General, Prof Atukwei Okai, said the African Union should intervene in the matter quickly bring an end to the slave trade.
“The Pan African Writers’ Association urges the African Union to urgently intervene and put this obnoxious practice to a stop, and immediately arrange for the perpetrators to be arrested and charged for human rights violations and crimes against humanity,” PAWA, which is made up of members from 55 countries, said.
“We note with alarm and complete dismay, the atrocities and human rights violations perpetuated in Libya or within the borders of Libya,” according to the statement.
It said “the slavery and slave markets in Libya are not only abhorrent but a blight in the harmonious and peaceful culture of the international community.”
The arrogance and brutality meted out to innocent African migrants, most of whom are young people seeking opportunities are repugnant and grossly inhumane, it said.
By Melvin Tarlue