Fathi Al-Shibli, head of Libya’s Voice of the People Party, has warned of the potential for Libya to become a proxy battleground amid escalating tensions between Russia and the United States. Speaking in a recent press statement, Al-Shibli highlighted how the conflict in Ukraine has reverberated across other global arenas, particularly in Africa, including Libya.
Al-Shibli noted that the struggle between these two powers has intensified from a mere contest for influence to a battle for existence. “This is the danger we have been alerting Libyan politicians about,” he stated, expressing concerns that Libya could be transformed into a proxy war zone for Russian and American interests.
Al-Shibli’s warning comes as Libya continues to grapple with its own internal conflicts and instability. The nation’s fragile political landscape and ongoing violence have made it a potential hotspot for external powers to exert their influence. Al-Shibli emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in preventing Libya from becoming entangled in the broader geopolitical struggle.
Al-Shibli called on Libyan leaders to be mindful of these dangers and to work towards securing the nation’s sovereignty and stability. He urged all political factions in Libya to prioritize national interests and avoid being drawn into the international power struggle that could have devastating consequences for the nation.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
