Libya’s Acting Foreign Minister Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij has affirmed that Sudanese in Libya are considered brethren undergoing exceptional circumstances which he hopes will end soon, rather than being refugees or displaced persons.
In a statement to Al-Masar Television, Al-Hwaij noted, “We maintain an equal distance from all parties and the Libyan government adopts a ‘zero problems’ policy with neighboring countries.”
Al-Hwaij added, “Libya is the ‘only’ country that has welcomed and allowed entry to hundreds of thousands of Sudanese, providing them with all forms of support by orders from the Commander-in-Chief of the National Army, Marshal Khalifa Haftar.”
He emphasized the significance and depth of the historical relations between Libya and the brotherly Republic of Sudan, stressing that rumors of Libyan forces present on Sudanese territory are completely unfounded.
The Foreign Minister also mentioned that the Libyan government approved the opening of a Sudanese consulate in Kufra to bolster joint cooperation, highlighting the inauguration of five schools in Benghazi, Ajdabiya, Jalu, and Kufra to provide educational services to their Sudanese brethren.
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.
