Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty has stressed the urgent need for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya and the dismantling of armed militias, as part of efforts to restore stability and push forward the political process.
In remarks to Al Arabiya Al Hadath, Abdel Aaty warned that “any party obstructing Libya’s electoral process should face sanctions.”
The Egyptian minister emphasized that the Libyan file remains stagnant due to continued foreign interference and the persistence of militia influence.
“It is crucial to hold elections, but this will only be possible once foreign troops withdraw and militias are disarmed,” he stated, highlighting the international community’s responsibility to hold spoilers accountable.
Abdel Aaty’s comments reflect Egypt’s consistent position in support of Libyan unity and sovereignty, and its opposition to any foreign meddling that undermines national reconciliation.
The statement comes amid ongoing international discussions to revive Libya’s long-delayed electoral roadmap and resolve institutional divisions between rival administrations.
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.
