On Tuesday, the General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, emphasized the necessity of completing reconstruction projects in a timely manner.
His statement was made during a meeting with Osama Hammad, the Libyan Parliament-designated Prime Minister, and Hatem Al-Oraibi, the Head of the Reconstruction and Stabilization Committee.
This meeting reflects the broader context of Libya’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and stabilize the country.
Haftar’s meeting included discussions on the latest construction works, especially in Benghazi, where he recently visited bridge construction sites. He praised the efforts of the executing companies, and stressed the importance of maintaining pace, quality, and adherence to engineering and technical conditions.
The United Nations Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily recently met with Haftar, agreeing to continue joint efforts towards peace and stability. During their meeting, they discussed the political and security situation in the country, and steps to secure the electoral process. Bathily also met with Ageela Saleh, the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament. They focused on taking concrete steps towards elections, to respond to the popular call for legitimate institutions.
Libya’s challenges are further compounded by natural disasters, like the catastrophic storm Daniel that struck eastern Libya, causing extensive flooding and destruction in cities like Derna.
This event has necessitated a rapid response from the World Bank, which is developing a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) to guide recovery and reconstruction efforts. This reflects the broader context of Libya’s challenges, where political stalemate and competing power centers contribute to insecurity, economic loss, and social fragmentation.
Moreover, Libya’s position as a major holder of oil and natural gas reserves underlines the importance of stability for regional and global economies. Achieving stability could help Libya nearly double its oil production by 2025, impacting the global oil supply and aiding economic recovery in neighbouring countries.
The World Bank remains committed to supporting Libya through technical assistance and analytical services, as outlined in its Country Engagement Note for 2023-2024. This strategy focuses on supporting Libya’s transition towards a sustainable future, addressing its fragility challenges, and fostering dialogue for peace and political settlements.