African Union's efforts to find a solution to Libya crisis has been undermined by the military action of NATO, South African President Jacob Zuma said in Cape Town on Tuesday.

"Those who have the power to bomb other countries have undermined the AU's efforts and initiatives to handle the situation in Libya," Zuma said at a press conference at Tuynhuys after a meeting with visiting Ghanian President John Atta Mills.

South African Press Association (SAPA) reported that many lives could have been saved if the African Union had been allowed to carry out its initiatives on Libya.

"We could have avoided a lot of loss of life in Libya." Zuma said.

Zuma said powerful nations had abused the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 "to further interests other than to protect civilians and assist the Libyan people."

SAPA said the AU Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa on Thursday and Friday would deliberate on the "unfolding situation" in Libya.

According to Talk Radio 702 based in Johannesburg, Zuma on Tuesday rejected claims that the AU is powerless as the Libyan crisis unfolds.

Zuma and Atta Mills have come out strongly against NATO for working against the AU roadmap for peace in Libya and continuing the bombings.

Libyan rebels have declared the era of leader Muammar Gaddafi over after storming the capital Tripoli at the weekend. One of Gaddafi's sons however, has insisted that the battle for the country will continue.