During the Doha Forum 2024, held on December 7th and 8th in Qatar, Engineer Belqasim Khalifa Haftar, the General Director of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, met with His Excellency President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. The meeting focused on Rwanda’s successful experience in reconstruction and development and explored avenues for mutual cooperation amidst the developmental renaissance led by Libya’s Development Fund.
President Kagame affirmed his country’s readiness to support all efforts that contribute to peace and stability in Libya. He also emphasized the importance of supporting reconstruction and comprehensive reconciliation to lay strong foundations for national stability.
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.
