In a significant development for Libyan reconciliation efforts, Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, is expected to attend the highly anticipated Brazzaville Summit in February.
This marks his first international departure since the overthrow of his father’s regime in 2011. Libyan sources informed Al-Arab newspaper that Gaddafi’s participation alongside other key Libyan factions is set to break psychological and political barriers, paving the way for direct dialogue and reconciliation.
The Summit, organised under the auspices of the African Union, includes members of the High-Level African Committee on Libya, neighbouring countries, and principal Libyan factions.
The invitation extended to Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi is seen as a crucial step towards overcoming longstanding impediments, and initiating direct discussions among various Libyan parties.
Significantly, Congolese delegations have conveyed invitations for the Summit to key Libyan figures, including Mohamed Al-Mnifi, Head of the Libyan Presidential Council; Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, Head of the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU) Ageela Saleh, Speaker of the Libyan Parliament; and Mohamed Takala, Head of the Libyan High Council of State (HCS).
Brazzaville previously hosted preparatory meetings for the Libyan Reconciliation Conference last July. The Conference was sponsored by Congolese President, Denis Sassou Nguesso, Chair of the High-Level African Committee on Libya, and attended by Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, along with representatives from various Libyan parties, the Arab League, and stakeholders in the Libyan crisis.
The African Union has consistently emphasised the importance of national reconciliation as a prerequisite for credible elections in Libya, accepted by all parties. This stance is shared by many international partners.
Congolese Foreign Affairs Minister Jean Claude Gakosso has extended an invitation to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to attend the February Summit.
The Brazzaville Summit represents a critical juncture in Libyan politics. It not only signifies Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi’s re-entry into the international arena, but also underscores the concerted efforts by African and global actors to facilitate a Libyan-led solution, emphasising unity, security, and stability for the nation.