The Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives, Ageela Saleh, held a meeting on Tuesday with the German Ambassador to Libya, Ralf Trawel, to discuss the latest political developments in the country.
According to a statement issued by the House of Representatives, the meeting, which was attended by the Head of the Parliament’s Office, Abdullah Al-Masri Al-Fadhil, emphasized the urgent need to form a unified government to end the ongoing division in Libya. This step is seen as essential for facilitating presidential and parliamentary elections that reflect the will of the Libyan people.
During the discussion, Saleh reiterated the importance of establishing a unified government based on agreements between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State (HCS). He emphasized that the mechanism for selecting the new government is clear and inclusive, ensuring no one is excluded unless they fail to meet the candidacy criteria.
Saleh underscored that the only viable solution to Libya’s political crisis is the formation of a unified government and the subsequent organization of elections in alignment with the aspirations of the Libyan people.
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.