Qaddafi Named Chairman of African Union

Libyan leader vows to pursue plan for 'United States of Africa'

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 2, 2009 12:19 PM CST

(Newser) – Muammar Qaddafi vowed to pursue his dream of creating a united, pan-African government after being named chairman of the African Union today, Reuters reports. Elected by African heads of state for a 1-year term, the Libyan leader said the organization must consider his proposal for a “United States of Africa” at the next summit in July.

Qaddafi said only opposition from a majority of African countries would stop his proposal. “If we don’t have a quorum for rejection, that means we have accepted it,” Qaddafi said. While all members of the AU say they support the creation of an African state in theory, Qaddafi’s plan is likely to meet opposition from many nations, including South Africa.

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Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi talks during a press conference in front of a map of Africa last week. (AP Photo)

Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi talks during a press conference in front of Africa map in Tripoli last week as he wear a shirt showing African political figures. (AP Photo)

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There is a rule in Islam. It is that silence is approval. If you say something to somebody and he is silent then it means that he has accepted.
- Muammar Qaddafi

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Qaddafi Named Chairman of African Union