Maghreb states call on Libyans to unite and end political rift
In Algiers during a trilateral meeting, Tunisia, Egypt and Algeria’s foreign ministers urged all Libyan parties to participate meaningfully in the “UN-sponsored political settlement process” in order to put an end to the years-long rift in Libya, according to TRT Afrika on November 6th.
The foreign ministers released a joint statement to voice their shared goal of encouraging a peaceful end to Libya’s ongoing crisis through the UN-endorsed settlement solution. The North African politicians voiced the need for any resolution to be entirely initiated and led by Libyans in order to ensure the state’s sovereignty, institutional integrity and unity in the future.
The joint statement also called for Libyan factions to be open to dialogue and to prioritise Libya’s national interests, which would aid the country to overcome its issues that have limited its ability to organise nationwide elections.
Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt also advocated for both development and security to become strong pillars of the reformed Libyan political system. They also urged that the reconciliation of all Libyan people should be comprehensive to secure lasting stability.
They also pushed for all foreign armed groups and militants to exit the North African nation. The three countries’ foreign ministers supported an immediate ceasefire and a reunification of the military authority and institutions. The top diplomats reaffirmed their will for the Libyan people to reach their goals of stability, development and peace.
Since the Arab Spring and the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been mired with political instability, with militias recently fighting in Misrata. The unstable situation appears to have deeply impacted migrants in the country, who face cycles of violence and abuse, according to Amnesty International.
Libya is divided between two governments who are currently ruling different parts of the country. One of the administration’s was selected by the parliament and controls the east and a large part of the south, while the internationally-endorsed Government of National Unity is controlling the nation’s west. Libyans are hoping that elections will put an end to the country’s instability.
TRT Afrika, Amnesty International, Maghrebi.org
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