The UN Envoy to Libya and the Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily held a meeting on Friday with the Transitional President of Chad, General Mahamat Idriss Déby in N’Djamena.
This comes as part of Bathily’s regional tour to Libya’s southern neighbors, including Sudan, Chad, and Niger to discuss the immediate withdrawal of all foreign fighters, foreign forces, and mercenaries from Libya.
In a tweet, Bathily said that his tour is part of UNSMIL’s mandate to “restore peace and stability in Libya including through supporting the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC), in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, notably the withdrawal of foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya.”
During the meeting, President Déby expressed his full support for the UN-facilitated peace process in Libya. He noted that peace and stability in Libya is in the best interests of Chad, expressed satisfaction at being consulted for the first time on the matter, and encouraged further involvement.
In turn, the Bathily expressed appreciation for the support Chad has extended to the JMC, through the Chadian Liaison Committee. This is coordinating the withdrawal of fighters & mercenaries from Libya, without adversely impacting the country of origin
The UN Envoy also held talks with the Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahamat Saleh Annadif. They reviewed efforts to hold inclusive elections in Libya, in a secure environment.
In addition, he also met with the Chadian Minister of Public Security & Immigration, Mahamat Margui. The two sides discussed the need to accelerate the work of the Liaison Committees, to ensure a coordinated and synchronized withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya.
Bathily confirmed that the foreign presence in Libya “poses a critical risk to peace and stability in the country and the region. We need to work with our partners to address this challenge without negatively impacting Libya’s neighboring countries.”