Libya stalemate deepens amid US push for unity

Libya’s political deadlock shows little sign of resolution, as domestic actors and international powers continue to push competing initiatives to reunify the country’s divided institutions.

On April 9th, the Libya Observer reported that the Head of the Presidential Council, Mohamed al-Menfi, held consultations with a number of leaders and representatives of political parties and blocs to discuss developments in the political situation and ongoing economic challenges.

The Council’s media office stated that the meeting addressed several key issues, including progress in the political process; ways to finalise the constitutional framework governing elections; mechanisms to unify state institutions; efforts to strengthen trust among political actors; and the current security and economic situation.

The meeting came just a few days after reports emerged of a leaked US proposal for a political settlement in Libya.

The plan reportedly includes removing al-Menfi from the Presidential Council and appointing Saddam Haftar in his place, while maintaining Abdulhamid Dbeibah as Prime Minister.

Washington’s proposal aims to create a unified executive authority by redistributing power among competing factions.

Despite these initiatives, Libya remains deeply divided. Rival governments in the east and west continue to operate in parallel, each backed by competing political institutions and armed groups.

The US position has become increasingly assertive. On February 20th, Massad Boulos, US Special Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, told the UN Security Council: “We are working on tangible steps for economic and military integration by convening high-level officials from eastern and western Libya.”

On April 8th, Boulos also met with the Deputy Commander of the General Command, Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, to discuss progress toward a unified budget and the upcoming Flintlock 26 military exercises scheduled for Sirte later this month, as reported by Alwasat News.

Efforts within Libya to establish a political roadmap have so far struggled to gain traction. On March 11th, lawmakers in the House of Representatives proposed reforms to advance elections and restructure state institutions, but persistent divisions among political actors continue to hinder progress.

International involvement remains a defining feature of Libya’s political process. The US has increasingly focused on both political mediation and economic governance.

Washington’s strategy includes efforts to influence public spending and control over energy revenues, key levers in Libya’s fragmented political economy.

This dual approach, political and economic, suggests that unification efforts are closely tied to broader strategic interests.

The UN Security Council has similarly called for unity among Libya’s rival leaders, emphasising the need for coordinated efforts to stabilise the country.

Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, the Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), may support the Boulos proposal if Libyan parties reach a consensus.

Until a broadly accepted political framework emerges, Libya is likely to remain in a state of prolonged stalemate.

Libya Observer, Alwasat News, Maghrebi.org