U.S. push in Libya targets spending and energy influence

Spending in Libya remains largely uncontrolled due to the country’s deep political fragmentation. Funds are allocated and spent without clear oversight, and it is often unclear which authorities are responsible for authorizing or regulating expenditures. The United States is increasingly seeking to gain influence with Libya’s rival power centers, aiming to secure a prominent role in managing both financial flows and, above all, the country’s vast energy resources.

According to Libya Herald, between March 24 and 26, the Chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Libya, Jeremy Berndt, held a series of meetings with representatives from both the western-based government and eastern authorities. Following a meeting with members of the Haftar family in eastern Libya on March 25, the United States stressed the importance of the two sides implementing a unified development spending program and establishing a single national budget.

Berndt wrote on the U.S. Embassy’s social media page: “In Benghazi yesterday, I was pleased to meet a number of key Libyan leaders to discuss ways to strengthen U.S.–Libya commercial and security ties.” He added, “I also emphasized strong U.S. support for Libyan efforts to unify military and security institutions.” On 26 March, Berndt held similar meetings in Tripoli, as reported on the U.S. Embassy’s official X account. The discussions reiterated the same objectives outlined in Benghazi.

Washington’s effort to deepen political, economic, and military ties with Libya is a key component of the Trump administration’s foreign policy. As early as February 18, Massad Boulos, senior adviser to the U.S. president for African affairs, stated at the United Nations Security Council: “We are working on tangible steps for economic and military integration by convening high-level officials from eastern and western Libya.” He also announced that the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) will hold its annual military exercises in the coastal city of Sirte next April, involving forces from both sides of the country.

American interest is also clearly focused on Libya’s vast natural resources. On February 12, Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) announced it had held a virtual meeting with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to discuss developing geological data and strengthening the mining sector.

Since the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump, Boulos has intensified his engagement in Libya, with Washington seeking to facilitate the return of American oil companies. This shift was formalized on February 11, when National Oil Corporation (NOC) reopened its oil sector to international competition.

The growing presence of foreign investment in a deeply divided country like Libya appears to benefit major international companies more than it contributes to national reunification.

This condition has direct consequences for the population, which continues to face a severe economic and political crisis. Citizens have repeatedly taken to the streets to demand an end to widespread corruption and the holding of free elections. Yet these demands have increasingly taken a back seat to the multi-billion-dollar deals pursued by both centers of power.

Libya Herald, US Embassy X profile, Maghrebi.org