US Advisor Defends Libya Diplomacy, Cites Progress in Unification Efforts

Massad Boulos, a senior advisor to US President Donald Trump for Arab and African affairs, has defended Washington's diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the Libyan crisis. Boulos stated that many representatives from Libya's eastern and western regions have set aside their differences for the nation's benefit, indicating gradual but tangible improvements since July 2025.

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US efforts in Libya had produced gradual but tangible improvements since July 2025.

In written responses to Asharq Al-Awsat, Boulos pointed to key achievements, including agreements on a unified development program and a subsequent unified budget. He also highlighted the success of bringing together military forces from eastern and western Libya in Sirte for the Flintlock 2026 exercises, expressing hope that such collaborations will foster trust among military personnel. Boulos stressed the importance of continued efforts to establish unified governance across Libya to bolster stability, emphasizing that national unity is crucial for legitimacy and democratic elections.

Boulos clarified that the United States supports the UN road map for Libya, advanced by the UN Support Mission in Libya, and is coordinating closely with Special Representative Hanna Tetteh. He explained that US efforts are designed to complement, not replace, the UN process, and that Libya's future must ultimately be determined by its people. The US remains in continuous contact with all parties to help develop a workable proposal for unification, with the final details to be decided by Libyans themselves.

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Washington supported the plan advanced by the UN Support Mission in Libya and was coordinating closely with Special Representative Hanna Tetteh.

He rejected suggestions that the US initiative is driven by competition with Russia and China, describing such interpretations as inaccurate. Boulos noted that a broad coalition of countries with diverse interests supports the initiative, all sharing an interest in a unified, stable Libya capable of protecting its sovereignty and expanding economic opportunities after years of division.

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Libya’s future must ultimately be determined by the Libyan people themselves.

Furthermore, Boulos dismissed claims that Washington's primary focus is solely on guaranteeing the flow of energy. He stated that the United States supports Libyan efforts to improve the entire national economy, not just the oil sector. Resolving disputes over revenues and resource distribution, he believes, will create conditions for lasting peace. Progress by Libyan authorities, particularly the National Oil Corporation, has reportedly generated increased interest and investment from major US companies, including efforts to boost production at oil fields.

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Washington, he added, sought to maintain balance by consulting a wide range of constituencies, visiting different regions and encouraging inclusive leadership.