On Sunday, the US Special Envoy to Libya, Richard Norland stated that “no one wants another interim government in Libya to extend for another five years.” These remarks were made during a roundtable session with a group of journalists in Cairo.
According to Ambassador Norland, the United States is “actively working to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Libya, with a particular focus on paving the way for elections. All significant parties in Libya, both domestic and foreign, agree that the country’s stability hinges on the ability to conduct credible elections.”
He also took the opportunity to critique past military interventions in Libya. “Nations that previously advocated for a military approach in Libya have come to realise its inefficacy,” he noted.
“Elections are pivotal for helping Libya regain its unity, establish legitimacy for its institutions, and protect its sovereignty. I believe that all leaders in Libya are now under popular pressure to approve elections,” Norland added. “In the last two years, all major external players involved in Libya have increasingly recognised that negotiated settlement is the best path forward, and there is already very positive engagement from various different actors.”
Libya is currently divided between two main rival administrations: the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) in the west, and the Parliament-designated government in the east.
Various foreign powers have also intervened, backing different sides in the conflict. The situation is further complicated by the presence of numerous militias, and extremist groups. This mosaic of internal and external forces has made it extremely difficult to navigate a path toward peace and stability.
The United States has had a complex relationship with Libya since the fall of Gaddafi. Initially involved in the NATO-led intervention that led to Gaddafi’s ousting, Washington has since taken a more diplomatic role, aiming to negotiate peace between rival factions. Various administrations have supported UN-led initiatives to form a national government and hold elections, recognising that a democratic process is key to resolving the ongoing crisis.
Given the fractured political landscape, elections are seen as a critical step toward unification and stability. The international community, led by bodies like the United Nations has been pushing for credible, free, and fair elections as a solution to the country’s governance issues.
