Libyan Presidential Council head Mohamed Yunus al-Menfi has announced the formation of a national committee aimed at reducing escalation and building trust in the country. This move is part of efforts to create a more secure environment for the political and electoral process, and to end years of institutional and political division. The committee will draw on national and local initiatives to pre-empt conflicts, contain escalation, and prevent its recurrence.
In his speech at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, al-Menfi emphasized that Libya no longer needs crisis management after years of divisions and disagreements that have exhausted the state and society. Instead, he stressed the need for a genuine will to end the crisis, with the goal of establishing a unified state with sovereignty and institutions derived from the will of the people.
Al-Menfi welcomed the efforts of countries seeking to end the political and institutional division in Libya, and expressed appreciation for the role of the UN Support Mission in Libya and its responsibility in facilitating the political process. He also touched on regional issues, including the Palestinian issue, expressing Libya's solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemning the Israeli occupation.
The Libyan Presidential Council head also highlighted the threat of instability in the Sahel region, describing it as an existential threat to the security of its countries. He called for the Mediterranean to be seen as a shared space for communication between Africa and Europe, rather than a barrier between them. Al-Menfi emphasized the need for relations between Mediterranean countries to go beyond managing migration and crises to become a partnership in development, trade, and security.
Al-Menfi stated that Libya wants countries to compete within it in areas of investment, reconstruction, energy, technology, and development, rather than competing for influence within its institutions. He also announced Libya's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2028-2029, representing the African seat.
The announcement of the national committee to reduce escalation comes as Libya continues to face significant challenges in its transition to stability and democracy. The country has been plagued by divisions and conflicts since the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, and efforts to establish a stable government and hold elections have been repeatedly delayed.
The international community has been closely following developments in Libya, with the UN playing a key role in supporting the country's transition. The UN Support Mission in Libya has been working to facilitate a political process and support the country's institutions, and the international community has been urged to continue its support for Libya's transition to stability and democracy.
Key points
- The national committee aims to reduce escalation and build trust in Libya.
- Al-Menfi emphasized the need for a genuine will to end the crisis in Libya.
- Libya has announced its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the period 2028-2029.
