On Saturday, the Head of Libya’s Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Mnifi held talks with South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
The meeting aimed to discuss the progress of Libya’s political process, advances in national reconciliation efforts, the upcoming elections, and the evolving landscape of international and regional affairs.
In a statement, President Ramaphosa lauded the significant role Al-Mnifi has been playing, across all national endeavours in Libya.
During the meeting, the two leaders touched on a variety of international issues. Both leaders stressed the need for backing the Special 10-Committee focused on United Nations Security Council reforms. They also emphasized the importance of a unified perspective on African continental matters.
Al-Mnifi expressed Libya’s aspiration to enhance bilateral ties with South Africa, along with bolstering shared cooperation frameworks across diverse fields. This move aligns with the ambition to further mutual interests, while also maintaining consistent coordination on African continental matters of reciprocal concern.
The dialogue signifies a crucial stride in the Libyan political journey, highlighting key topics such as reconciliation, electoral processes, and shifting regional and global contexts. This collaboration aims to foster stability, security, and prosperity in Libya, and throughout the African continent.
Libya has experienced significant political turmoil over the past several years. Following the overthrow and killing of long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the nation descended into a complex civil war involving multiple factions, militias, and foreign powers.
In 2020, a ceasefire agreement was reached and a new unified interim government was established in 2021, led by a three-member Presidential Council, led by Mohamed Al-Mnifi, and a Prime Minister. The aim of this interim government was to bring about national reconciliation, manage the run-up to the elections, and restore stability in the country.
South Africa has been playing a significant role in mediating the Libyan conflict. Ramaphosa, who was the Chairman of the African Union in 2020, emphasized the need for African solutions to African problems, and has urged for an end to external interference in Libya.