On Monday, the German Ambassador to Libya, Michael Ohnmacht and his accompanying delegation visited the city of Benghazi, where they met with Mayor Saqr Bojwari.
“Consequently, it was my pleasure to discuss today with the Mayor of Benghazi, Mr. Saqr Bojwari, potential paths to enhance our cooperation. Municipalities play an essential role in serving a country’s citizens – in Germany as well as in Libya,” he tweeted.
During the meeting, they discussed the development works currently being implemented by the German Foundation for International Cooperation. In addition to its technical support for modernising the administrative aspects in various areas.
The attendees also touched on the projects being carried out by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the city, which enjoys strong support from Germany.
Ohnmacht highlighted the important role of German companies in the reconstruction of Libya, including the difficulties that hinder the return of German companies to resume their stalled projects. In addition to discussing the current political stalemate, which has been negatively affecting the services provided by the municipality. He also agreed on the need to enhance joint cooperation, and overcome any obstacles that might hinder the upcoming electoral process.
Notably, the meeting was attended by two members of the city’s municipal council Ahmed Al-Tira and Abdul Basit Suleiman Al-Jazwi, and the municipality’s projects director Osama Al-Kazeh.
UNDP Resident Representative, Gerardo Noto has previously stated that “UNDP along with UNSMIL through the Integrated UN Electoral Team will continue supporting HNEC in conducting democratic national elections. These are essential building blocks for an inclusive peacebuilding and political process. As well as ensuring citizens’ participation to regain the democratic legitimacy of public institutions in Libya.”
Germany is one of the main UNDP Libya contributors ($44 million dollars in total). It has supported initiatives aimed at strengthening the rule of law, and democratic governance in Libya.
With funds from the European Union, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, France, and the UK contributing to the PEPOL project, an integrated team of electoral experts from UNDP and UNSMIL have been supporting HNEC since 2018. This is to enhance its institutional capacity to prepare and deliver credible elections in Libya.