Chapter 1182 - 1044: Golden Cicada Shell

One week later, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, African Union Headquarters.

The towering dome of the enormous circular conference hall, with the mural of an African map symbolizing unity, gleamed under the lights.

However, the atmosphere inside the venue was heavy as lead.

Seated around the long conference table were heads of state or senior representatives from various African countries, along with a few envoys from outside major powers holding observer status.

The air was mixed with scents of sweat, perfume, smoke, and coffee.

General Haftar sat in the seat representing the "Libyan National Unity Interim Government."

He struggled to maintain a calm exterior, even deliberately keeping a hint of smile at the corner of his mouth.

But he knew very well that today's meeting was definitely a "trap."

Across from him, the American representative Richard was scanning the venue with a gaze that seemed polite but was actually patronizing.

Next to Clark sat the African Union Commission Chair, Zuma, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, clearly finding the upcoming agenda items challenging.

The first hour was filled with regional issues concerning the African Union, until the meeting agenda reached the final item.

Everyone turned to the last page of the agenda documents before them, which prominently read — "Libya and Sahel Region Security Situation and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation."

At this moment, Clark nodded towards Zuma.

Zuma reluctantly pressed the microphone switch: "The following topic involves some Western countries, so for this discussion, we have allowed several representatives from major Western powers to participate. Now, please let Mr. Clark from the United States speak."

"Madam Chair, esteemed representatives."

Clark stood up with satisfaction, his voice clearly echoed throughout the venue through the microphone, carrying a subtle hint of arrogance.

"The peace and stability of Africa are our collective responsibility and goal. However, recently, a new and extremely dangerous force has been growing and spreading on our continent, severely threatening the hard-won peace process!"

The opening remarks were grandiose.

He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room, especially lingering momentarily on the positions of representatives from Libya, Sudan, and Sen Republic.

"We have solid intelligence."

Clark's voice suddenly heightened, filled with strong condemnation.

"A private military company named 'Musician Defense,' led by Song Heping, is conducting large-scale, organized violent activities in multiple African countries, including Libya, Sudan, and Sen Republic! They are cloaked as security and military advisors, but in reality, they are a completely terrorist mercenary group!"

A low murmur filled the room.

Haftar's face instantly darkened, the muscles in his jaw slightly twitching.

Clark opened the folder in his hand, as if reading a court verdict: "Song Heping and his organization have committed heinous war crimes in places like Sawinu! Massacring civilians, destroying infrastructures, plundering resources! What's more shocking and infuriating is that we have reliable intelligence indicating that Song Heping himself and his 'Musician Defense' have secret, illegal ties with extremist terrorist organizations entrenched in North Africa and the Sahel Region! They provide weapons, training, and even shelter for terrorists, they are the cancer nourishing terrorism!"

He suddenly slapped the folder on the table with a crisp sound, and the venue instantly fell silent.

"Faced with such clear and grave threats, the international community must not stand by idly!"

Clark's voice was filled with "righteous" agitation.

"We, the United States of America, hereby call on all member states of the African Union to immediately take action! Impose the harshest sanctions on Song Heping and his 'Musician Defense'! Freeze all their assets in Africa! Ban their personnel from entering! Furthermore, extradite its main culprits, especially the primary offender Song Heping, to the international court for a fair trial! Any country or organization that harbors or condones such terrorist acts will be seen as a disruptor of African peace and stability and will bear corresponding consequences!"

At this point, Clark's gaze openly pierced toward Haftar, the Sudan representative, and the Sen Republic representative: "We urge the relevant countries, especially the Libyan National Unity Interim Government, the Republic of Sudan, Sen Republic, to immediately sever all ties with Song Heping and his terrorist organization! Expel them from your borders! This is the only correct choice to maintain regional security and fulfill international responsibility!"

His speech ended, and the venue was dead silent.

No applause.

All representatives remained silent.

Meeting host Zuma had a serious expression.

Many representatives from small African countries had flickering eyes, afraid to meet Clark's gaze, and even less daring to look at the named representatives from the three countries.

The counter-terrorism label was imposed, who dared to openly oppose?

No one could bear the accusation of harboring terrorists.

The immense pressure felt like a tangible mountain, suffocating them.

The Americans have always been bullish, and their representatives' speech was a final ultimatum.

Sitting in the observer's seat, the French representative Shire leaned slightly forward, gently tapping the armrest with his fingers.

He looked in Haftar's direction, with a complex expression in his eyes.

According to the script, now should be the time when Haftar and others are cornered, forced to either surrender or be labeled as "supporters of terrorism."

Where is Song Heping's "timing"?

What exactly is his supposed turning point?