Libya’s prolonged political impasse has been further complicated by the failure of various initiatives, to expel foreign mercenaries and troops. This predicament has left armed groups operating with impunity across western Libya, exacerbating an already complex security landscape.
As 2024 unfolds, hopes to resolve the mercenaries’ issue have been met with a stark reality.
The declaration of failure by Ahmed Abu Shahma, Head of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC), underscores the profound impact of Libya’s political deadlock. This is characterized by delayed elections and the absence of a unified government, and has directly impeded the consolidation of military institutions – a crucial step toward national stability.
Abu Shahma highlighted the challenges of unifying Libya’s military, and securing its borders in the current political climate, marked by the absence of a unified defence minister, and chief of staff. He emphasized that “political stagnation and disputes among various political factions have hampered the implementation of a two-year-old plan for the mercenaries’ withdrawal.”
Observers have noted that the obstacles in achieving a political solution and conducting elections in Libya have significantly affected the unification of the military establishment, and hindered the JMC’s efforts. The successful handling of the mercenaries issue is largely contingent on making progress toward elections, and establishing effective security measures.
Another perspective suggests that the failure can be attributed to intricate international entanglements, which are closely linked to the evolving political scenario in Libya. Despite a consensus on the urgency of withdrawing foreign forces and mercenaries, the practical advancements have been minimal.
In response to these challenges, the JMC has made noteworthy efforts. In February 2023, the UN Mission (UNSMIL) disclosed an agreement on a “comprehensive mechanism” for data collection, and exchange about mercenaries and foreign fighters. This development was seen as a significant stride toward achieving lasting peace in Libya, and creating a favourable environment for political processes, including elections.
Furthermore, in October 2022, the JMC endorsed the creation of a subcommittee responsible for “mapping” the locations of armed groups, focusing on the phased withdrawal of mercenaries, foreign fighters, and foreign forces. This step is a vital component of Libya’s broader strategy to reassert sovereignty, and stabilize its internal security situation.
These efforts reflect Libya’s intricate journey toward stability and sovereignty, underscoring the complex interplay between political progress, and security in the nation. They also highlight the need for concerted political action within Libya, and substantial international support to address these persistent challenges. The situation calls for a multifaceted approach that combines diplomatic, military, and political strategies to effectively manage the mercenary issue and pave the way for a peaceful and stable Libya.