The European Union Council, in a recent press release, announced the appointment of Jan Vičitál as the new leader of its mission to assist in managing Libya’s borders (EUBAM). Effective from 1 January 2024, Vičitál will succeed Natalina Cea, with his tenure extending until 30 June, 2025.
Vičitál, a seasoned Czech government official and diplomat with over two decades of high-level experience, currently serves as the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Tunisia, and accredited in Libya. He previously held the position of Ambassador to Iraq and Libya.
Launched in May 2013, EUBAM aims to enhance the capabilities of the Libyan authorities in managing Libya’s borders. It focuses on combating cross-border crime, including human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and terrorism.
This strategic move by the EU underscores its ongoing efforts to stabilize the region, and address the complex challenges at Libya’s borders.
Notably, the European Union’s Ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando called on all concerned parties to engage in the United Nations initiative for elections.
This comes after UN Envoy, Abdoulaye Bathily’s agreement with Tunisian Foreign Minister, Nabil Ammar, emphasizing the need for Libyan leaders to “agree on a consensual path to conduct elections for peace and prosperity in their homeland.”
In a statement, Orlando reiterated the EU’s ongoing support for Libya’s unity, stability, and prosperity. During his meeting in Tripoli with the Head of the Libyan Presidential Council Mohamed Al-Mnifi, Orlando highlighted a “broad range of pivotal topics in the growing partnership between the EU and Libya.”
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.
The current stalemate grew out of the failure to hold elections in December 2021, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, who is leading the transitional government, to step down.