Libyan army general calls for a unified army with a new role

Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), has called for the military to have a place at the center of Libya’s decision making, as reported by Libya Review on August 10th. 

Haftar’s remarks were made during a ceremony on August 9th marking the 86th anniversary of the establishment of the Libyan Army, and added that this move is  necessary in protecting the country’s interests and preserving the armed forces’ achievements, according to a statement issued by the LNA General Command. 

The ceremony was held at the Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar Military City, with Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the LNA, Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Khaled Haftar and other senior military commanders and officers all present. 

Haftar stated that the anniversary represented a national occasion for all Libyans and praised military personnel for their efforts in developing and supporting the armed forces. Tribute was also paid to soldiers who lost their lives in service, saying their sacrifices had been made in defense of Libya and its sovereignty. 

Haftar stressed that the Libyan Army should remain “one army” and should not be divided, saying it must operate under a unified military doctrine while defending a single country. He added that the armed forces understood their national responsibilities in maintaining a secure and stable country all while protecting Libya’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

It was stated that the national army should earn the support and respect of the citizens through providing security, protecting borders and defending sovereignty. The military’s role in wider efforts to rebuild the Libyan state, saying security and stability were necessary for reconstruction and institutional development. 

Haftar’s comments come as Libya remains divided between rival political and security institutions, while efforts continue to reach a political settlement and unifying state institutions. 

He concluded by reiterating that the military should remain unified, describing its unity as essential to safeguarding Libya’s sovereignty and stability. 

Libya Review, Maghrebi.org.