Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Faraj Abdullah
Published on 2024-02-21 16:43:57
In Benghazi, Libya, senior American and Libyan legislators recently met to discuss the United Nations’ initiative to resolve the prolonged political crisis in North Africa. Fawzi Al-Nuwairi, First Deputy Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives, welcomed US diplomat Jeremy Brandt, where the two officials broadly discussed national reconciliation efforts championed by UN Envoy Abdoulaye Bathily.
The meeting’s agenda, according to Abdullah Belihaq, spokesperson for the Libyan parliament, explored all avenues to pull Libya out of turmoil, including the necessary conditions for credible democratic elections. In November 2023, Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily unveiled a roadmap for a Libyan “Quintet Summit” involving key power brokers in the hopes of breaking the political logjam that has been hampering elections in the country.
During an address to the UN Security Council in December, the envoy admonished some Libyan leaders for “paying lip service” to conflict resolution and for “hiding behind conditions” to avoid the proposed talks. Despite his efforts, Bathily’s initiative has faced skepticism both at home and abroad due to minimal progress over 14 months.
The prolonged political crisis in Libya has been a cause for concern for many, and the United Nations’ efforts to bring all parties to the table for meaningful discussions and resolutions have faced significant challenges. The meeting between senior American and Libyan legislators highlights the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration to find a path forward for the nation.
The UN’s initiative to resolve the crisis has been centered around the idea of national reconciliation and credible democratic elections, both of which are essential for bringing stability and legitimacy to the Libyan government. However, the road to achieving these goals has been fraught with obstacles and resistance from various factions within the country.
The “Quintet Summit” proposed by Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily aimed to bring key power brokers together in the hopes of breaking the political logjam and moving towards meaningful elections. However, the envoy has faced challenges in getting all parties to the table, with some leaders being accused of simply paying lip service to conflict resolution without taking concrete steps towards a resolution.
The meeting in Benghazi between American and Libyan officials underscores the need for continued international support and engagement in resolving Libya’s political crisis. The involvement of senior legislators from both countries highlights the importance of finding a common ground and working together towards a sustainable solution for the country’s future.
Moving forward, it will be essential for the United Nations and other international actors to continue to support and facilitate dialogue between Libyan stakeholders and to provide a platform for meaningful negotiations. The road to peace and stability in Libya may be long and challenging, but it is crucial for the international community to stay committed to finding a resolution to the country’s political crisis.
Read the original article on Libya Update
