Jeremy Berndt, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Libya, held a meeting on Thursday with Al-Taher Al-Baour, Acting Foreign Minister in the outgoing Government of National Unity led by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba.
In a statement published via the embassy’s official account on X, Berndt said: “I appreciated the opportunity to meet today in Tripoli with Al-Taher Al-Baour, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.”
He added that the meeting touched on strengthening bilateral relations between Libya and the United States, as well as the “vital role played by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)” in helping Libyans overcome divisions and move the political process forward.
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.
