The French embassy in Libya has said a recent visit by French ambassador Thierry Vallat to the University of Benghazi symbolises knowledge and reflects the institution’s long-standing role as a pillar of Libya’s intellectual life.
In a statement, the embassy described the university campus as visibly vibrant, with committed students and passionate professors working across disciplines that are shaping Libya’s future. It said fields such as science, medicine, literature and innovation are central to rebuilding the country and highlight the resilience of Libyan youth and their openness to the wider world.
The embassy noted that the University of Benghazi, established shortly after Libya’s independence, has for decades played a leading role in educating generations of Libyans and contributing to national development. It added that the campus stands as a symbol of continuity in Libyan academic life despite years of instability.
According to the statement, the university suffered extensive damage in 2014 during armed conflict in Benghazi, which severely affected its facilities and surrounding areas. The embassy said this period marked one of the most difficult chapters in the institution’s history, disrupting education and research activities.
In this context, France reaffirmed its support for Libya’s recovery efforts, particularly in the field of humanitarian and stabilisation assistance. The embassy confirmed that France funded mine clearance operations at the university site, carried out by the Danish Demining Group, with financial support amounting to 1.3 million euros between 2018 and 2019.
The embassy said these efforts aimed to restore safety to the campus and enable students and staff to return to education in a secure environment. It stressed that supporting education remains a priority, as universities play a vital role in fostering stability, dialogue and long-term development in Libya.
The embassy underlined that international academic cooperation can strengthen Libya’s institutions and promote lasting peace.