Libyan eastern government is moving further from Western allies

The head of Libya’s eastern government, Osama Hammad, has visited Belarus with the goal of strengthening cooperation by building on the framework agreements already signed by the two nations, according to Libya Review on July 1st.

On March 14th, Maghrebi reported on a visit from a Belarus delegation to Benghazi. During the visit, six framework agreements were signed between Hammads government and the Belarussian delegation, covering health, agriculture, industry, and gas and oil. 

Hammad’s delegation on this most recent visit to Belarus included important figures of the eastern government, the General Secretary of the General Command, Deputy Head of Intelligence, the Director of the National Development Authority, and ministers of foreign affairs, health, interior, technical education, industry, agriculture, and communications.

The Libyan government has described the visit as part of a diplomatic push to diversify their international partnerships beyond traditional Western allies.

Belarus is certainly not a Western ally, and it is not surprising they are making agreements and expanding cooperation with Libya, being closely allied with Russia.

The government in Moscow has committed to expanding their presence and influence in Africa, especially since they have been cut off from the west by sanctions imposed since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

The eastern Libyan government is already backed by Egypt, whom they share a border with, and Russia, whose Western foes are backing the rivalling government in Tripoli.

During Hammad’s visit, both delegations emphasised mutual support and the importance of joint investment in infrastructure and technology.

The visit is also a step forward for the joint contact group, which according to Libya Review is tasked with coordinating cooperation between nations and ensuring that bilateral accords are carried out.

The diplomatic engagement between heads of government in Libya and Belarus reflects Hammad’s dedication to expanding the international alliances of his government, while the nation is so politically fragile.

Libya Review/Maghrebi