The Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sabri Boukadoum, said on Wednesday, that his country had refused to supply Libya with arms. The Algerian FM stressed that dialogue between the Libyan parties represents a unique opportunity for a solution to the crisis.
Boukadoum added, during an interview with France 24, that “the fate of Libya, and its security are extremely vital for Algeria.” He also mentioned the outcomes of the Berlin Conference, which focused on the arms embargo on Libya. He stated that Algeria, alongside Tunisia, are seeking to host a dialogue session for the parties to the Libyan crisis. Boukadoum also highlighted the need to “involve neighbouring countries, especially Egypt, as well as countries surrounding southern Libya, and states like Italy, Malta, and Greece, in the dialogue.”
Since a January 2020 meeting of world leaders in Berlin held to draw up a Libyan peace plan, both sides in the civil war have rejected international appeals. They have instead sought support for further arms and mercenaries. In February, the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding the enforcement of the arms embargo on Libya and a ceasefire.
Libya has been marred in violence between competing forces, militias, and extremists since the toppling and killing of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The conflict now pits the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), against the Libyan National Army (LNA) which is led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, for control of the country.