Libya’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdel-Hadi Al-Hwaij, affirmed that the work of international and non-governmental organizations in Libya is welcome as long as they respect Libyan laws and uphold the country’s national sovereignty.
Al-Hwaij told Al-Manassa Al-Libya that the state is committed to creating a transparent and organized framework for international organizations, ensuring constructive cooperation with local partners.
He explained that Law No. 2 of 2001 on Regulating Political and Consular Work, particularly Article 27, together with the Prime Minister Osama Hammad’s directive on organizational standards, and the Foreign Ministry circular of 13 May 2024, all stipulate the need for a local partner—governmental or non-governmental—as a mandatory condition for any international organization operating inside Libya. He stressed that such organizations must refrain from political interference, respect the values and customs of the Libyan people, and avoid involvement in religious matters.
Response to Doctors Without Borders
Commenting on Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) receiving a notification from the outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU) ordering its departure from Libya before 9 November 2025, Al-Hwaij said the GNU “has no legal authority to take such sovereign decisions, as its mandate has expired.”
He noted that international organizations should not be informed of expulsion orders without due legal process or an official justification, adding that Libya welcomes all organizations that comply with Libyan law and contribute to humanitarian and development efforts in partnership with local actors.
Al-Hwaij reiterated that the Libyan government is committed to regulating—not restricting— .the work of international organizations, emphasizing that any measures concerning their presence must be legal, transparent, and based on clear grounds in order to protect national interests and respect Libya’s sovereignty.
