A member of Libya’s House of Representatives has said that the recent joint military training involving forces from eastern and western Libya in the city of Sirte reflects broader efforts to reunify the country.
MP Jeballah Al-Shibani stated that the exercise between rival-aligned forces comes within a wider political and strategic context aimed at restoring national unity after years of division.
In a statement posted on social media, Al-Shibani noted that the United States has historically supported a unified Libyan state under a central government. He said this approach was intended to prevent foreign powers from influencing separate regions and to ensure that major agreements are concluded within a single national framework.
He added that the joint drills held in Sirte should be viewed as part of these ongoing efforts to consolidate Libya’s fragmented institutions, particularly in the security sector.
Growing Momentum for Military Coordination
The military exercise in Sirte marks a rare instance of coordination between forces from the east and west, which have long operated under separate command structures. The development has drawn attention as a potential step toward unifying Libya’s divided military institutions.
Al-Shibani welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive move that brings Libyans closer together, despite ongoing concerns surrounding political uncertainty, delayed elections, and continued foreign involvement in the country.
He acknowledged that challenges remain, including the prolonged wait for national elections and the need to establish a functioning civilian state. However, he stressed that dialogue and cooperation remain preferable to conflict.
Unity Over Division
Al-Shibani concluded by emphasizing that national unity must remain the ultimate goal. He said that bringing Libyans together is more important than ongoing divisions, adding that cooperation offers a more sustainable path forward than armed confrontation.
He underlined that preserving Libya’s territorial integrity should take precedence, with other political issues to be addressed in due course.
The joint training in Sirte comes amid renewed international and domestic calls to unify Libya’s institutions, particularly its military and security bodies, as a key step toward long-term stability.
