Dr. Ahlam Al-Lafi, a member of the Libyan House of Representatives, has been re-elected as Chair of the Social, Educational, Cultural, Women, and Youth Affairs Committee of the Arab Parliament. This marks her second consecutive term in the position.
The election took place during a procedural session held on Saturday at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo, Egypt. The session also included the election of new committee chairs, deputies, and the leadership of the Arab Parliament.
Al-Lafi’s re-election is seen as a testament to her leadership and commitment to advancing social and cultural policies in the Arab world. The Arab Parliament, which plays a pivotal role in fostering cooperation among member states, welcomed the results of the session as a step forward in enhancing its initiatives and legislative work.
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.