Khalifa Haftar Calls for Unified Government of Technocrats in Libya
Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar has called for a unified government of technocrats to organize long-delayed elections in Libya. The country has been torn by more than a decade of stop-start conflict since a NATO-backed revolt toppled strongman Muammar Qaddafi in 2011. A myriad of militias formed opposing alliances backed by foreign powers, leaving the country split between a nominally interim government in Tripoli in the west and another in the east backed by Haftar. Presidential and parliamentary elections were due to be held in December 2021 but were never organized as differences persisted on key issues including who should be allowed to stand. Last week, both sides agreed on the legal steps to hold the elections following talks in Morocco, but stopped short of signing a deal, suggesting that some differences remain.
Haftar’s Proposal for a Unified Government
Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army urged the rival administrations “to end the political divisions and form a new unified government comprising technocrats tasked with organizing elections.” The United Nations, which hopes the elections could take place before the end of the year, has said it would work toward helping iron out differences between the rival sides. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said that UN envoy Abdoulaye Bathily had “initiated a series of meetings with political leaders in Libya, regional and international partners, and other stakeholders to hear their analysis and discuss potential ways forward.”
Contested Points
Among the contested points are the candidacy of dual nationals and soldiers. Haftar also holds US citizenship, and his detractors accuse him of seeking to restore military dictatorship in Libya. Some of Bathily’s interlocutors voiced concerns over the agreement struck last week in Morocco which, they claimed, “could hinder elections from a practical and political standpoint.” It gave no further details.
The Need for a Unified Government
The need for a unified government in Libya cannot be overstated. The country has been in a state of political and economic turmoil since the fall of Qaddafi, with various factions vying for control. The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of foreign powers, each supporting their preferred faction. This has led to a protracted conflict that has left the country in a state of disarray.
Haftar’s proposal for a unified government comprising technocrats tasked with organizing elections is a step in the right direction. It is essential that the various factions in Libya come together to form a government that is representative of all Libyans. This will help to ensure that the upcoming elections are free and fair, and that the results are accepted by all parties.
The Role of the United Nations
The United Nations has a crucial role to play in helping to resolve the conflict in Libya. The organization has been working tirelessly to bring the various factions to the negotiating table and to facilitate talks between them. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has been instrumental in this regard, and its efforts have been commendable.
The recent talks in Morocco between the rival factions are a positive development, and it is hoped that a deal can be reached soon. However, as noted earlier, some differences remain, and it is essential that these are ironed out before the elections can take place.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Khalifa Haftar’s proposal for a unified government comprising technocrats tasked with organizing elections is a step in the right direction. It is essential that the various factions in Libya come together to form a government that is representative of all Libyans. The United Nations has a crucial role to play in helping to resolve the conflict in Libya, and its efforts must be supported by all parties. With the right approach, it is possible to bring peace and stability to Libya and to ensure that the country can move forward and rebuild.