Members of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) and of the Tobruk-based Parliament met in Morocco on September 6th. The objective of the dialogue, initiated by Rabat, was to give the two rivalling administrations an opportunity to discuss their differences.
This meeting gave the two parties the chance to resume talks and potentially come to a political agreement. Promises were made to end corruption and the mismanagement of public funds. In addition, the selection of leaders for Libya’s most important institutions were on the agenda. These included the leading positions of Libya’s central bank, the National Oil Corporation and the armed forces.
Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, stressed that his country had no intentions with hosting this dialogue other than giving the two sides “space” to discuss. Rabat did not publish any other statements after the submit.
International Assistance
The GNA is acknowledged by the United Nations and backed militarily by Turkey. The government was created in 2015 after peace talks that were also hosted by Morocco. The Tobruk-based Parliament has power in eastern Libya and is supported by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia. In addition, the Parliament is backed by Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar.
At the same time as the dialogue in Morocco, Turkish president Erdogan met with GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj in Istanbul. However, the meeting was held behind closed doors and no details were made public.
Armed Conflict
Tensions between the different parties escalated in 2019, when Haftar launched an attack to take over Tripoli. The GNA reacted and forced Haftar back to Sirte, which is an important and strategic city on the Mediterranean due to its access to Libya’s eastern oil reserves and export opportunities.
Two weeks ago, a cease fire was issued by both parties, together with the announcement that national elections will be held in March. The international community reacted positively and hopeful to the news.
War broke out in Libya after its former ruler Muammar al-Gaddafi was killed in the country’s 2011 uprising. Since then, a division has occurred between the eastern and western administrations.
Sources: Alarabiya1, Alarabiya2, Aljazeera1, Aljazeera2, Africannews, Anadolu Agency
Image: Needpix
