Algeria’s permanent representative to the Arab League, Abdel Hamid Shabira said that he expects that the Libyan crisis will top the agenda of the upcoming 31st Arab Summit, slated for 1 November. This comes amid divisions over which authorities are to be recognized in the war-torn nation.
In press statements, the Algerian diplomat called for “a peaceful settlement, through political dialogue, and moving towards free and fair elections without any external interference.”
He added that, “Algeria has made great efforts for a real settlement in Libya by working jointly with neighbouring countries and the Arab League.
We are always pushing towards Libya’s peace and territorial integrity, to get out of the current crisis that has caused the Libyan people great material losses.”
He also highlighted the importance of the Arab food security issue, in light of the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
At the last Arab League ministerial meeting in September, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry walked away as his Libyan counterpart, Najla Al-Mangoush began chairing the session.
Egypt has maintained a mediating role in the Libyan conflict. Shoukry’s departure was the clearest signal yet of its dissatisfaction with Tripoli-based government, which has also received a vote of no confidence from Libya’s eastern-based parliament.
On 10 February 2022, the Libyan Parliament announced the unanimous appointment of Fathi Bashagha as the new Prime Minister. But incumbent PM, Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba warned that the appointment of a new interim government could lead to war and chaos in the country.
Libya is now politically torn between Bashagha, who was elected by the Libyan Parliament to lead the country in February, and Dbaiba, who refuses to relinquish power.
Tensions have been rising for months in Libya as the two Prime Ministers vie for power; rising fears of renewed conflict two years after a landmark truce.
The United Nations has been pushing the rival parties to organize elections to resolve the legitimacy crisis.