US presidential envoy for Africa, Ambassador Musaad Paulos, is set to visit Libya next week in a high-profile diplomatic mission aimed at addressing growing instability and exploring potential financial and humanitarian agreements. His visit will include meetings with officials from both eastern and western Libya.
Before heading to Libya, Paulos will stop in Cairo for discussions on broader regional issues, including the conflict in Gaza and the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
The visit comes at a critical time, as Libya remains deeply divided and western cities, particularly Tripoli, face renewed violence between rival armed groups.
The visit was initially scheduled for earlier this year but was delayed at the request of Egyptian officials. Paulos is expected to engage with senior figures in Tripoli and Benghazi, including discussions on unlocking frozen Libyan sovereign funds and exploring joint economic ventures with American companies.
According to reports by Middle East Eye and NBC News, the Trump administration previously held talks with Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba’s advisors, proposing the release of billions in frozen assets in exchange for Libya agreeing to host up to one million Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
This plan is controversial and politically sensitive, but reflects Washington’s growing interest in leveraging Libya’s strategic position.
Another focal point of US interest is Saddam Haftar, son of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. He recently visited Washington and reportedly met with senior intelligence officials. Sources indicate that elements within the Trump administration view him as a potential future leader capable of bringing security and order to Libya.
