According to a recent report from French intelligence website Africa Intelligence, Paris is preparing to host a significant security summit focused on Libya. The meeting, scheduled for the coming days, will involve representatives from the defense and foreign ministries of the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France.
Paul Soler, the Elysée’s special envoy to Libya, will lead the discussions, which are set to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the North African nation.
The summit will concentrate on the challenges of establishing sovereignty and securing Libya’s borders, currently fragmented among various ethnic and tribal groups in the western, southern and eastern regions.
High on the agenda is the plan to create joint military units that would involve the Libyan military leaders from both the east and the west, along with officers from the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, aiming to pave the way for a unified Libyan military.
Another urgent issue to be addressed is the role of foreign mercenaries in Libya, particularly the presence of the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization with significant influence in the eastern and southwestern parts of Libya. The removal of these foreign forces is deemed crucial for Libya’s stabilization and future security.
Since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been grappling with deep political and military divisions, which have led to the establishment of rival administrations and ongoing internal conflict. These divisions have drawn in multiple foreign actors, complicating efforts toward national reconciliation and stability.
The upcoming Paris summit, as reported by Africa Intelligence, marks a concerted international attempt to assist Libya in navigating these complex challenges. By encouraging cooperation among Libyan factions and strategizing the removal of foreign mercenaries, the meeting seeks to support Libya in achieving a more secure, unified, and peaceful future.