Mr Zuma and three other African leaders met Libya's leader, Col Muammar Gaddafi, in Tripoli on April 10. An AU team is now going on to the eastern rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

In Ajdabiya, pro-Gaddafi forces have pushed back rebels in fierce fighting.

Nato says its planes destroyed 25 government tanks on April 10 alone.

The African Union's road map calls for an immediate cease-fire, opening channels for humanitarian aid and talks between the rebels and the government.

"The brother leader [Col Gaddafi] delegation has accepted the roadmap as presented by us," Mr Zuma declared.

"We have to give the ceasefire a chance," he said, after several hours of talks.

Mr Zuma is now returning to South Africa. His foreign minister and the other AU heads of state will travel to Benghazi on April 11.

An AU official said the idea of Col Gaddafi stepping down had been discussed, but gave no further details.

"There was some discussion on this but I cannot report on this. It has to remain confidential," said AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramtane Lamamra.

"It's up to the Libyan people to chose their leaders democratically."