Senegal's president has called on embattled Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to step down, saying “the sooner you leave, the better.”

President Abdoulaye Wade spoke Thursday from the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi, where he met with officials from the rebel leadership council.

Mr. Wade said Colonel Gadhafi should step aside in the interest of the Libyan people.

He added that he is someone who can help Mr. Gadhafi leave power, although he did not offer Senegal as a place of exile.

Senegal is one of several countries to have recognized the rebel Transitional National Council as the Libyan people's legitimate representative.