Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attiaf affirmed the prolonged Libyan crisis is intricately tied to escalating and complex foreign interventions in the country’s affairs.
During a meeting with the acting head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Stephanie Khoury, Attiaf lamented the crisis has now surpassed thirteen years, primarily due to these growing external influences.
“Resolving the Libyan crisis fundamentally lies in excluding and ending all forms of these interventions, whether political, military, or security-related,” Attiaf stated.
He reiterated Algeria’s call for all foreign parties to withdraw their influence and cease policies perpetuating division and deepening rifts among Libyans.
Attiaf highlighted the obstacles facing UN efforts to end the crisis, including repeated delays in electoral processes and concerning developments following institutional divisions and increased risk of conflicts among Libyans.
He outlined four priorities to focus on, including maintaining the ceasefire agreement, doubling efforts to preserve it, and not abandoning the Libyan national reconciliation project, which he views as crucial for uniting the nation despite significant challenges.
Libya remains mired in a political crisis with two governments—one in the east appointed by the parliament and another in the west emerging from UN-mediated agreements.
The Tripoli-based government led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh refuses to relinquish power except through elections, which were initially scheduled for December 24, 2021, but were postponed due to political disputes and disagreements over election laws.