Libyan factions resumed negotiations in Morocco to address a political deadlock. The talks involve the High Council of State and the House of Representatives, aimed at restoring unity and preparing for credible elections. The political process has stalled since the collapse of the December 2021 elections, exacerbating the divide between eastern and western Libya.
Delegates from Libya’s competing institutions recommenced discussions in Morocco on Wednesday, aiming to resolve a longstanding political impasse and avert a resurgence of chaos within the nation. Over the past decade, Libya has faced significant turmoil since its division in 2014 into two factions: one governing from the east and the other from the west. The negotiations, taking place in Bouznika near Rabat, involve the High Council of State from Tripoli and the House of Representatives from Benghazi.
During the opening session of these consultations, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain Libya’s unity and prepare for credible elections. He stated that “the numerous international and regional conferences on Libya will not replace the inter-Libyan dialogue which has credibility and ownership.”
The political progress towards ending the institutional division and ongoing unrest has been obstructed since the cancellation of the December 2021 elections, primarily due to contentions concerning the eligibility of leading candidates. Initially elected in 2014, the House of Representatives was intended to oversee a transitional political framework for a period of four years. The establishment of the High State Council arose from the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement, intended as a consultative body with advisory functions. Nevertheless, the House of Representatives subsequently formed a rival administration, asserting that the mandate for the Prime Minister of the national unity government had lapsed, which consequently deepened the division between eastern and western Libya.
Libya’s political landscape has been marked by instability and division since the overthrow of dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011. Following the NATO-backed uprising, the nation splintered into rival factions, notably post-2014, when the eastern and western regions established separate governing bodies. This divided governance led to a prolonged civil conflict, characterized by competing claims for legitimacy and authority within the country. The international community has attempted to mediate the situation through various agreements and negotiations, but internal divisions have persisted, delaying the transition to a stable democratic governance framework and hindering national elections.
In summary, the ongoing talks in Morocco represent a critical effort to reconcile Libya’s divided factions and lay the groundwork for a unified approach toward governance and electoral processes. The stagnation of political progress following the 2021 election failure remains a significant hurdle. As noted by Minister Bourita, fostering genuine dialogue amongst Libyan stakeholders is vital for preserving national unity and establishing a credible and effective political transition.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
