The United States is working on concrete steps to promote economic and military integration between eastern and western Libya, according to Massad Boulos, senior adviser to the US President for African affairs.
Speaking during a session of the United Nations Security Council on Libya on Wednesday, Boulos said Washington is seeking to facilitate practical measures to bridge institutional divisions by bringing together senior officials from both sides of the country.
“We are working on tangible steps for economic and military integration by convening high-level officials from eastern and western Libya,” Boulos stated. He added that the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) will conduct its annual training exercises in the coastal city of Sirte next April, involving forces from both regions. The drills are expected to mark the first step towards expanded joint military cooperation.
Boulos also encouraged Libyan leaders to implement the Unified Development Programme agreement signed in November 2025 between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State. He described the adoption of a unified annual budget as a significant step towards what he termed “economic reconciliation”.
According to Boulos, creating conditions for unified governance that could pave the way for national elections requires mutual agreements and concessions among Libyan actors. He stressed that Libya’s vast potential can only be realised by overcoming political fragmentation.
“The Libyan people deserve a better future,” he said, affirming that the United States will remain at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to support Libya’s stability in coordination with the United Nations and international partners.
Concluding his remarks, Boulos said unity remains the cornerstone of Libya’s stability and prosperity. He argued that an integrated security structure, a stable economic system and a single governance framework would enable Libya to emerge stronger, more secure and more prosperous, with positive implications for security across the Mediterranean and North Africa.
