On Wednesday, Major General Mukhtar al-Naqasa, a member of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) said that unifying Libya’s fragmented military forces and removing foreign fighters is only possible under an elected president with strong international backing.
He stressed that Libya’s stability hinges on legitimate leadership, supported by key international stakeholders involved in the Berlin Process.
Al-Naqasa revealed that the 5+5 Military Commission has not yet been assigned the task of drafting a formal military unification plan.
However, he pointed to the 2017 Cairo talks as a strong reference point, as they laid out a structured vision for integrating Libya’s divided military while considering the political and regional divide between east and west.
Despite the ongoing political deadlock, he defended the achievements of the 5+5 Commission, highlighting that the ceasefire has remained intact without significant violations. He attributed this to the professional understanding among officers from different regions, many of whom were trained in the same military academies.
At the commission’s recent meeting in Tunisia, members reaffirmed their commitment to de-escalation and the rejection of inflammatory rhetoric, warning that political provocations could lead to renewed conflict. Al-Naqasa emphasized that securing a peaceful transition requires discipline and cooperation from all parties.
He praised Egypt’s role in fostering dialogue and bridging gaps between Libya’s rival factions. Egypt has been instrumental in facilitating security discussions and political negotiations, helping set the stage for potential military integration.
Al-Naqasa also expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts of the UN advisory committee to resolve Libya’s political and electoral deadlock. He highlighted the legal and constitutional expertise within the UN-backed process, stressing that a well-structured political agreement is essential for advancing military unification.
However, the issue of foreign mercenaries and armed militias remains a major obstacle. Libya’s security landscape is still influenced by competing international interests, complicating efforts to establish national control over the military. Al-Naqasa insisted that only a strong, elected government can effectively negotiate the withdrawal of foreign forces and restore full sovereignty.
He urged all Libyan factions to prioritize national unity over individual political ambitions. The path forward, he said, depends on breaking the cycle of division, ensuring a peaceful political transition, and reinforcing Libya’s military and security institutions.
He concluded with a firm message: “Libya’s future depends on unity, stability, and strong leadership. A fragmented military serves no one. Only through a legitimate government, supported by the international community, can we restore security, remove foreign forces, and build a stable future for all Libyans.”
