Rising voice of reason

African Union should take a leading role in the continent's affairs and in finding a peaceful solution to Libya crisis

Since the beginning of this year Africa has entered an eventful period. The Republic of Cote d'Ivoire underwent a post-election crisis; South Sudan will officially declare separation on July 9 after a national referendum on independence; the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt stepped down; domestic clashes inside Libya invited continuing air strikes from NATO; and Somalia, which has been in anarchy for two decades, was once again listed as the No 1 "failed state" by the United States for the fourth consecutive year.

All these have had a negative impact on Africa's political and economic development, resulting in unprecedented challenges for the African Union (AU), which held its 17th summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea from June 23 to July 1.