African leaders head to Libya to negotiate ceasefire

A team of African leaders is on its way to Libya to try to negotiate a ceasefire between rebel forces and those loyal to Col. Muammar Gaddafi.



South African President, Jacob Zuma, and three other leaders representing the African Union, have left Mauritania for the Libyan capital, Tripoli. The team will also visit representatives of the rebel forces in Benghazi.



Fierce fighting continues in Ajdabiya in eastern Libya, with Col Gaddafi's forces pushing back rebels.



The African Union diplomatic mission comprises representatives from five nations and has gathered in Mauritania's capital, Nouakchott. The mission has called for an immediate end to fighting; diligent conveying of humanitarian aid and dialogue between the Libyan parties.