Abdul Moneim Al-Arfi, a Libyan House of Representatives member, reports that Richard Norland, the American envoy, along with European ambassadors, are advocating for the creation of a new government in Libya. This initiative aims to unify the country’s institutions and establish a military council. Al-Arfi called for Norland to speed up these efforts in light of Russia’s growing presence in African nations such as Libya, Mali, Niger, and Sudan.
According to Al-Arfi, the United States is eager to prevent further Russian influence in Africa by fostering stability in Libya through the establishment of a unified government leading to elections. However, he also noted the difficulty in achieving consensus among Libya’s political factions, highlighting a pervasive crisis of confidence.
The initiative for a unified government and electoral process is seen as essential for lasting peace and stability in Libya, which has faced ongoing conflict since the 2011 uprising against Muammar Gaddafi. The nation’s economy, primarily based on oil, has been negatively affected, contributing to global market instability.
Furthermore, Libya’s political landscape remains fragmented, with the failure to conduct planned elections in December 2021 exacerbating divisions. This situation has led to a humanitarian crisis, affecting thousands and complicating the transit of migrants and refugees through Libya.
Efforts to unify the Libyan government and military, along with the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries, are viewed as critical steps towards addressing security concerns and moving towards a peaceful political resolution.
