South Africa says it has not sent planes to Libya to help embattled leader Moammar Gadhafi flee the country.

In a statement Monday, the South African government said it wished to dispel rumors that South African aircraft will fly Colonel Gadhafi and his family to an undisclosed location.

Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane told reporters that Mr. Gadhafi has not asked for asylum in South Africa, and added that she is sure he will not do so.

South African President Jacob Zuma led a failed African Union effort to mediate the conflict in Libya between Mr. Gadhafi's government and Western-backed rebels.

The rebels now control most of Tripoli, amid general uncertainty of the Libyan leader's whereabouts.

Meanwhile, Libya's ambassador to the African Union has declared an end to Mr. Gadhafi's rule. He also removed the Gadhafi-era flag from Tripoli's embassy in Addis Ababa, replacing it with the pre-Gadhafi flag used by rebels.

The AU Peace and Security Council met Monday to discuss the latest developments in Tripoli. African heads of state are to discuss Libya in meetings later this week.

South Africa said Monday it backs an AU roadmap that calls for a transitional Libyan government, the drafting of a new constitution, and Libya's first-ever democratic elections.