On Thursday, the Germany Ambassador to Libya, Michael Ohnmacht said that “the only way out of the current Libyan crisis is dialogue, and political consensus leading to elections, to promote stability.”
These remarks came during a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Najla Al-Mangoush in Tripoli.
The meeting discussed strengthening bilateral relations, and activating joint economic agreements, according to a statement issued by the foreign ministry.
The Germany ambassador also discussed the latest developments in the political situation in Libya. As two competing governments are vying for control in the war-torn country, after more than a decade of civil war.
On his part, the Germany Ambassador reiterated his support for Libya on its democratic pathway to peace and stability.
He also praised the “national endeavours that seek stability, and to hold the upcoming elections in the near future.”
In addition, Germany ambassador Ohnmacht stressed the need to overcome any obstacles that might hinder the upcoming electoral process.
Notably, Libya is currently facing a political crisis after the Libyan Parliament swore in former Interior Minister, Fathi Bashagha, to lead a new interim government in February. MP’s argued that incumbent Prime Minister, Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba’s mandate expired when elections failed to take place in December.
The country has for years been split between rival administrations in the east and the west, each supported by militias and foreign governments.
A plan emerged in the past two years that was meant to put the country on the path toward elections. A UN-brokered process installed an interim government in early 2021, to shepherd Libyans to elections that were due late last year.
Claudia Gazzini, a Libya expert at the International Crisis Group, described the Bashagha-Dbaiba rivalry as “a feud over legitimacy,” with “both governments claiming they are legitimate.”
“I don’t think they will be able to hold elections this year,” she said. As well as expressed doubts that UN attempts to get Libyan parties to reach a constitutional consensus on the elections will make any progress.