In a significant diplomatic move, US President's advisor for Arab and African affairs, Masoud Bouls, met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on September 25, 2026, to discuss the ongoing political process in Libya. The meeting aimed to build on the current momentum to drive Libya's political process forward. Bouls expressed his appreciation for the discussions, which focused on unifying Libyan institutions and supporting a Libyan-led path toward unified governance and national elections.
The talks between Bouls and Fidan came as Libya continues to navigate a complex and protracted political crisis. Bouls noted that Turkey remains a crucial partner in supporting efforts to achieve stability, unity, and prosperity in Libya. The US advisor emphasized that the goal is to support Libyan-led efforts to achieve a reliable and sustainable path forward. This meeting highlights the international community's continued interest in Libya's stability and the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Bouls has been actively promoting a US initiative aimed at resolving Libya's political stalemate. The initiative, which has garnered mixed reactions, seeks to merge the country's rival power structures. According to the Crisis Group, the proposal involves maintaining Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibah as prime minister, with Ibrahim al-Dbeibah serving as a national security advisor, while Sadam Hifter would assume the presidency of the country's executive council. However, the status of the other two members of the council remains unclear.
During a recent event in New York, Bouls addressed criticisms of his initiative, emphasizing that it does not aim to hand power to a specific faction. Instead, he described it as a "full partnership" with no dictatorial elements. Bouls stressed that the initiative is not about one individual but rather a comprehensive partnership. This clarification comes as various stakeholders in Libya and abroad continue to evaluate the proposal.
Turkey's role in Libya's political process has been significant, with Ankara maintaining close ties with various Libyan factions. Fidan's discussion with Bouls underscores Turkey's commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution to the crisis. As Libya prepares for potential national elections, the international community's backing will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition to unified governance.
Libya's path to stability has been fraught with challenges, including ongoing divisions between rival factions and the presence of foreign actors. The country's institutions have been fragmented, with competing power centers vying for control. Bouls' initiative, along with international support, aims to overcome these hurdles and establish a stable and inclusive political framework.
The international community remains engaged in efforts to support Libya's transition, with various countries and organizations offering assistance. The US-Turkey dialogue on Libya demonstrates the potential for collaborative approaches to address the country's challenges. As Libya moves forward, the support of international partners will be essential in helping the country navigate its complex path toward unified governance and national elections.
Key points
- US Advisor Masoud Bouls meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss Libya's political process and support for unified governance and national elections.
