Members from the Libyan House of Representatives participated in the sixth session of the African Parliament, which took place at its headquarters in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. The Libyan delegation comprised Saleh Qalma, Salem Qanan, Asmaa Al-Khoja, Youssef Al-Fakhri, and Abdelqader Yahya.
The session featured the presentation of a report by the committee responsible for electing the African Parliament’s leadership, concluding a more than year-long hiatus. Following the report’s evaluation, Cheif Fornchen Shambira was appointed President of the African Parliament. Additionally, Masouda Mohamed Laghdaf from Mauritania and Mr. Djidda Maamar Mahamat from Chad were elected as the First and Fourth Deputies, respectively, completing the leadership positions within the Parliament’s presidency office.
The event, spanning from March 22 to March 27, 2024, marks a significant gathering for parliamentary members across Africa in Midrand, Johannesburg.
Since the 2011 upheaval that ousted Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has experienced prolonged instability, affecting its governance and economic conditions, particularly in its oil sector. The nation’s political landscape remains divided, complicating efforts towards stabilization and economic recovery. The ongoing instability has led to a humanitarian crisis, including the displacement of thousands and the challenging circumstances faced by migrants and refugees passing through Libya. Additionally, the delay in elections, originally set for December 2021, underscores the challenges in achieving a peaceful political transition amidst security concerns, including the need for military unification and the withdrawal of foreign combatants.