Libyan President of the Presidential Council Mohamed al-Menfi and High Council of State President Mohamed Takala held a meeting on Sunday to discuss efforts to achieve a national political settlement. The talks focused on creating conditions for a resumption of the political process through a global national compromise. A statement from the Presidential Council said the two leaders emphasized the need to preserve the independence of the judiciary and protect it from interference or political manipulation.
The meeting comes as the "4+4" dialogue committee continues its consultations under the auspices of the United Nations to help Libya overcome its political impasse. The committee, which has been engaged in discussions since April 2022, aims to implement the UN roadmap, organize elections, and unify the executive authority. On Wednesday, the committee agreed to expand consultations to various components of the judiciary to contribute to its unification and support the organization of elections.
Al-Menfi and Takala also stressed the importance of preserving the unity and independence of sovereign institutions and respecting their legal competencies to avoid conflicts of powers and their instrumentalization in political disputes. They highlighted the role of the judiciary as a constitutional pillar of state stability and guarantor of the rule of law, rights, and freedoms.
The "4+4" committee comprises four representatives from the Government of National Unity and four representatives from the general command of forces based in eastern Libya. Its work aims to overcome political divisions and create the necessary conditions for organizing elections. On August 30, the committee agreed to recompose the board of directors of the High National Electoral Commission and define a calendar for presidential and legislative elections within a maximum of 24 months.
The agreement also provides for a single executive authority and unified national institutions. The meeting between Al-Menfi and Takala reflects the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful solution to Libya's protracted political crisis. The two leaders' push for a political settlement is seen as a crucial step towards stabilizing the country and paving the way for elections.
The Libyan political crisis has led to a prolonged stalemate, with the country struggling to establish a stable government and hold elections. The international community, including the United Nations, has been actively engaged in supporting Libyan efforts to overcome the crisis and achieve stability. The outcome of the meeting between Al-Menfi and Takala is expected to contribute to these broader efforts.
The next steps in the Libyan political process will depend on the progress made by the "4+4" committee and the implementation of the agreements reached so far. The international community remains closely engaged in supporting the Libyan parties to achieve a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the crisis.
Key points
- Libyan leaders Mohamed al-Menfi and Mohamed Takala met to discuss efforts to achieve a national political settlement.
- The "4+4" dialogue committee continues its consultations under the auspices of the United Nations.
- The agreement provides for a single executive authority and unified national institutions.
