les A3+ exigent un retrait « immédiat et sans conditions » des forces étrangères de Libye
Recap on the Call for Foreign Withdrawal and Political Progress in Libya by A3+ Group
On Thursday, the A3+ group at the United Nations Security Council, comprising Algeria, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Guyana, made a strong demand for the "immediate and unconditional withdrawal" of foreign forces from Libya. They characterized these foreign military presences as a leading obstacle to peace in the country and emphasized the need for full respect for Libya’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
During a Security Council meeting focused on the situation in Libya, the permanent representative of Algeria, Amar Bendjama, expressed the group’s concerns, asserting that "foreign interference, particularly the foreign military presence in Libya, constitutes a major obstacle to peace." He urged all foreign troops, foreign fighters, and mercenaries to leave Libya without any conditions attached.
The A3+ group underscored the importance of respecting Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, criticizing the Security Council for its unfulfilled promise of peace and democracy to the Libyan people. They pointed out that Libya is descending further into uncertainty, stating that there has been little tangible progress politically. They attributed this stagnation to "hasty decisions and miscalculations" by the Security Council.
The group called upon the Security Council to take on its historical responsibilities by supporting Libya and empowering its populace to create the better future they deserve. They highlighted the urgency of acting as Libya finds itself at a critical juncture in its history, requiring swift and decisive commitment from both national and international actors. As tensions intensify with recent skirmishes in various Libyan cities, they reiterated the need for all parties to adhere strictly to the 2020 ceasefire agreement and prioritize the urgent reunification of Libya’s military and security institutions.
The A3+ group acknowledged the successful completion of the second phase of municipal elections and expressed optimism regarding upcoming elections in the remaining municipalities. They saw these political advancements as a pivotal moment within the politically driven and controlled Libyan processes, leading toward fair and free national elections representing the will of the Libyan people.
They also stressed the importance of Libyan stakeholders collaborating with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to address contentious electoral law issues. This cooperation is deemed necessary for finding concrete solutions to the current political deadlock. Additionally, they encouraged the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNSMIL, Hanna Tetteh, to continue her discussions with neighboring countries and support efforts from the African Union, which recently culminated in the signing of the Charter for National Peace and Reconciliation by Libyan stakeholders in February in Addis Ababa.
Furthermore, the A3+ group advocated for Libyans to eventually benefit from the frozen Libyan assets, noting that the economic situation in the country remains a significant concern. They highlighted the critical issues stemming from the lack of a unified budget and a notable absence of transparency and accountability, which have worsened the economic crisis. They called on UNSMIL to provide technical assistance and capacity building to help tackle Libya’s severe challenges.
In conclusion, the A3+ group articulated a clear and urgent message regarding the necessity of foreign military withdrawal and the critical need for renewed political engagement and progress in Libya. Their call for action reflects a profound concern for the lives and future of the Libyan people, as the country stands at a crossroads requiring both domestic and international commitment to a peaceful and prosperous future.
