U.S. Advisor Calls Libyan Community Leaders 'Essential' for Unification Amid Plan Rejection

U.S. advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, has described Libyan community leaders as "essential" for unifying the country, following a visit to Misrata. His remarks came despite protests against a U.S. plan to resolve the nation's crisis. Boulos stated on X that he was "honored" by meetings with councils of elders and other community sectors in Misrata. He highlighted their leadership potential in moving towards a "stable, unified, and prosperous Libya." However, his interlocutors expressed rejection of the U.S. proposal, arguing it threatens to prolong the crisis by allowing current leaders of the country's divided administrations to remain in power since 2014. The U.S. proposal reportedly suggests unifying the country under a single administration, with power shared between Saddam Haftar, son of eastern Libya's current leader Khalifa Haftar, and Abdelhamid Dbeiba, the current prime minister of western Libya. Dbeiba would reportedly take on the role of prime minister for the entire country and assume the defense portfolio. Critics argue this power-sharing arrangement would replicate the current stalemate. Community leaders also stated they would not accept any proposal allowing individuals linked to past corruption or human rights violations, named in UN reports, to return to power. While not closing the door on potential U.S. mediation, they stressed the need for Libyan autonomy and independence, free from interference, and with broad participation from the country's social and political forces. Misrata, Libya's third-largest city, holds significant economic weight and is home to the country's strongest militias, allowing it to operate independently of the eastern and western administrations.

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I was honored by the meeting with the councils of elders and other sectors, and I highlighted their leadership in moving towards a stable, unified, and prosperous Libya.