The Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives, Ageela Saleh, met with delegations of youth and elders from the Al-Zawiya tribe, representing regions including Sebha, Benghazi, Ajdabiya, Gharyan, Brak Al-Shati, Kufra, Jikharra, and Tazirbu. Also present were representatives of the Al-Obaidat tribe and the Minister of Justice in the Libyan Government-designate, Khaled Masoud.
The meeting, held in the city of Al-Qubba, saw Saleh welcoming the attendees and recalling the historical resistance of the Al-Zawiya tribe against colonizers. He emphasized the importance of youth as the backbone of the nation, stating that without their involvement, Libya cannot achieve stability or progress.
Saleh reiterated the Libyan Parliament’s unwavering belief that elections are the key to resolving the country’s ongoing crisis. He stressed the urgent need to form a unified government dedicated to organizing presidential and parliamentary elections and addressing the needs of Libyan citizens.
The attendees expressed their appreciation for Saleh’s efforts to unify the nation, safeguard its territorial integrity, and prioritize national reconciliation as a core agenda for the Libyan House of Representatives.
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.
