On Saturday, high-ranking Libyan delegation arrived in Damascus, marking the first official visit since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Representing Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), the delegation included Ibrahim Dbaiba, Security Advisor to Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba, Mahmoud Hamza, Director of Military Intelligence, and Walid Al-Lafi, Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs.
The delegation is set to meet Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the leader of Syria’s new administration, along with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani and General Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab. This visit comes amid Libya’s broader attempts to engage regionally and aligns with statements made earlier by Walid Al-Lafi, reaffirming the GNU’s support for the Syrian people and their new leadership.
Al-Lafi had previously contacted Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani to express Libya’s official support for Syria’s current government. During the conversation, Al-Lafi conveyed a message from Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba, emphasizing Libya’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering cooperation across various sectors. Al-Lafi also stressed the importance of joint coordination on regional issues, highlighting the shared goal of promoting stability and mutual interests in the region.
Despite this diplomatic outreach, the visit has sparked controversy back home in Libya, where Abdul Hamid Dbaiba’s government is often criticized for neglecting pressing domestic issues. Observers argue that this high-level engagement is yet another attempt by Dbaiba to bolster his international profile while facing mounting challenges at home, including militia control, delayed elections, and political gridlock.
As Libya grapples with internal divisions and seeks to prepare for delayed elections, the delegation’s actions will be closely watched. While the GNU frames this visit as part of its commitment to regional stability, many Libyans question whether the government’s priorities are aligned with the urgent needs of its citizens.
