Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Langley and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., recently met with General Mohamed al-Haddad and General Abdul Razzaq al-Nadhuri at the 2024 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Gaborone, Botswana.
General al-Haddad represents the western-based army under the Government of National Unity and the Presidential Council, while General al-Nadhuri represents the Libyan National Army (LNA) in the eastern region, under Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
The meeting highlighted the United States’ support for Libyan-led solutions to unify Libya’s military and uphold the country’s sovereignty. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Libya, emphasising collaboration with professional Libyan military officers from all regions. This cooperation aims to build a stable and unified Libya for its people.
The conference brought together defence chiefs from across Africa to discuss regional security issues and strategies. The U.S. delegation expressed its dedication to supporting African nations in their efforts to enhance security and stability. The engagement with Libyan generals underscored the importance of a unified military in Libya, which has been divided since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi.
General Langley praised the efforts of Libyan military leaders in working towards unification. He emphasised the need for continuous dialogue and cooperation to address the challenges facing Libya. General Brown echoed these sentiments, stating that the U.S. is committed to partnering with Libya to ensure long-term peace and security.
The U.S. also highlighted ongoing initiatives to train and support Libyan military personnel. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance Libya’s defence capabilities and promote regional stability. The collaboration includes various programmes aimed at improving military professionalism and operational effectiveness.
The 2024 African Chiefs of Defense Conference provided a platform for open discussions on security cooperation, and the U.S. reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with Libyan authorities. The goal is to support a unified military structure that can effectively safeguard Libya’s sovereignty and contribute to regional peace.
