Sebha Mayor met Richard Norland, the US Special Envoy to Libya, at Sebha International Airport. The meeting also included US Chargé d’Affaires Jeremy Berndt, USAID officials, and embassy representatives.
Discussions focused on strengthening the partnership between Sebha Municipality and USAID to support private sector development in the region.
The session was attended by local council members, the administrative deputy, the southern reconstruction fund representative, Sebha Airport’s director, and private sector stakeholders.
The talks aimed to boost collaboration on development initiatives in southern Libya.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
