After more than a decade of political deadlock, the leaders of Libya’s opposing governments have reached a significant milestone by agreeing to establish a unified government, marking a crucial step towards resolving the protracted crisis.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the leaders affirmed their commitment to the formation of a new unified government tasked with overseeing the much-awaited elections and consolidating sovereign positions.
The discussions, facilitated by Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, took place in Cairo, Egypt, bringing together key figures from Libya’s disparate factions. Among them were the President of the Libyan Presidential Council, the Head of the High State Council based in Tripoli, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives representing the rival administration in Benghazi.
The fracturing of Libya ensued following the ousting of longtime ruler Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, leading to a division between the internationally recognised government in the western region, led by interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah in Tripoli, and a parallel administration in the east under the leadership of military strongman Khalifa Haftar in Benghazi.
The agreement to establish a unified government represents a crucial breakthrough in Libya’s tumultuous journey toward stability and national reconciliation. This development may pave the way for a peaceful transition, fostering unity and progress across the nation.
