Joshua Harris, the nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Algeria, revealed in a congressional hearing that both the United States and Algeria are engaged in “fruitful dialogue” to prevent Libya from descending into conflict.
During the Senate hearing, ambassadors to Algeria, Libya, and Iraq were questioned. Harris committed to deepening cooperation between the U.S. and Algeria, particularly at the United Nations Security Council, to bolster regional security. He highlighted joint efforts on various issues, including coordinated actions at the UN Security Council to end the conflict in Sudan.
Harris said he has worked over the past decade to help Libyans regain sovereignty. He mentioned ongoing productive discussions between the U.S. and Algeria to cease hostilities in Sudan and prevent Libya from falling into turmoil. He also emphasised efforts to establish security and governance in the Sahel region, which faces threats from malicious forces, notably referring to Russia’s growing influence in Mali and Niger.
Christopher Murphy, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism remarked that both Algeria and Libya face economic and social paradoxes, persistent terrorist threats, and migration issues.
Earlier this month, the US Ambassador nominee to Libya, Jennifer Gavito, resented her vision before the U.S. Senate, outlining her priorities as she awaits confirmation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Libya.
In her briefing, Gavito stated, “I will work with the United Nations and international partners to achieve a political settlement among the Libyan parties, putting Libya on a path toward unity and elections.” She stressed that Libya faces significant risks and requires special attention, advocating for the United States to lead efforts in resolving the Libyan crisis.
Libya has been in a state of turmoil since the 2011 uprising that resulted in the fall of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. Since then, the country has been divided among rival governments and militias vying for power, leading to widespread instability and conflict. Despite numerous international efforts to broker peace, Libya remains fragmented and continues to face severe challenges.
