National and community leaders in Libya’s southern Fezzan region have announced their support for Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army, authorising him to represent the region in forthcoming political dialogue efforts.
In a statement, the representatives said they had entrusted Saddam Haftar with presenting the demands and aspirations of the people of Fezzan during political negotiations aimed at advancing Libya’s political process. The announcement reflects the region’s desire to secure stronger representation in discussions on the country’s future.
The statement said the delegation expects Saddam Haftar to defend Fezzan’s political, economic and development rights and work to ensure that these priorities are incorporated into the outcomes of the dialogue process.
It added that the Deputy Commander-in-Chief would seek to guarantee fair representation for Fezzan in all political dialogue tracks, ensuring that the region’s interests and the rights of its residents are properly reflected in any future political settlement.
Fezzan has long called for greater political influence and a larger share of national development projects, arguing that the vast southern region has remained underrepresented despite its strategic importance and natural resources. Regional leaders have repeatedly stressed the need for balanced representation in national institutions and decision-making bodies.
The latest declaration underlines continued efforts by political and community figures in southern Libya to strengthen Fezzan’s role in shaping the country’s future. Supporters say the mandate given to Saddam Haftar is intended to ensure that the region’s concerns receive greater attention during negotiations and contribute to a more inclusive political settlement for Libya.
The statement did not provide further details on the next stage of the dialogue process or the mechanism through which the regional demands will be presented.
