On Wednesday, the Speaker of Libya’s Parliament, Ageela Saleh, met with Hanna Tetteh, the United Nations Special Representative for Libya, to discuss political developments and the urgent need for a unified executive authority. The meeting took place at Saleh’s office in Benghazi.
Both leaders emphasized the necessity of forming a unified government to oversee the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, aiming to end Libya’s prolonged political crisis. Saleh stressed that establishing a single government is essential to stabilizing the country and preparing for national elections.
Tetteh affirmed that rebuilding trust among Libya’s political factions is crucial. She stated that the UN would continue facilitating dialogue between rival groups, supporting Libyans in achieving consensus on a unified executive authority. The goal remains to move swiftly toward holding transparent elections, ensuring Libya’s political process is fully owned by its people.
Libya has been embroiled in deep political division and instability since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country quickly fractured into competing factions, each backed by different international actors and armed militias, resulting in prolonged conflict, economic collapse, and humanitarian crises.
Over the past decade, Libya has been governed by rival administrations in Tripoli and Benghazi, each backed by powerful militias and external allies. Multiple attempts at national reconciliation and unified governance, including the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement, have failed to fully end divisions. Despite a ceasefire in 2020, the country remains politically fragmented.
The international community, including Egypt and the United Nations, continues to urge Libya’s factions toward political unity and democratic elections. Egypt has been particularly active, hosting various dialogues to mediate between Libya’s eastern and western authorities.
