On Sunday, European Union Council President; Charles Michel called for the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya during his visit to Tripoli. He also voiced support for the Government of National Unity (GNU), which is set to lead the country until general elections scheduled for December 2021.
“You have created an opportunity to rebuild your country, but there is one precondition — all foreign fighters and troops must leave the country,” Michel said at a news conference. He urged political and armed factions to seize the “unique opportunity to build a sovereign, stable, and prosperous country.”
According to the United Nations, about 20,000 mercenaries and foreign fighters remained in Libya in early December.
“We will work with the new government and support it,” Michel said after meeting with interim Prime Minister; Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba who was elected in a UN-sponsored peace process in February.
“The European Union actively supports the process of national reconciliation,” Michel said. “Economic recovery, elections, the fight against illegal immigration… are areas in which the EU can help.”
Michel added the EU’s Ambassador to Libya will return to Tripoli in the coming weeks. He concluded that the migration issue was a “major theme” in the relationship between Libya and the EU.