Oil for unity: What is the US mediation plan in Libya?

Lead

Fifteen years after NATO's intervention in Libya's uprising, which Al Jazeera reports set the stage for prolonged chaos and political crisis, the United States is leading a diplomatic push for a reunification plan in the North African country. Spearheaded by Massad Boulos, President Donald Trump's adviser on Arab, Middle Eastern and African affairs, the initiative aims to form a unified government, integrate state institutions, and encourage American oil investments, according to Al Jazeera.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera's reporting frames the US plan as a critical juncture for Libya's political crisis, emphasizing that the initiative has gained traction in the east and put the ball in the court of western factions. The outlet notes that Boulos has pitched the proposal as complementing UN efforts, but intense debate remains over whether Washington can bridge Libya's traditional divides.

Separate Al Jazeera reporting highlights Secretary of State Marco Rubio's meeting with LNA deputy commander Saddam Haftar, which the State Department described as discussing "ongoing Libyan-led efforts to unify the country's military, economic, and political institutions." TASS's official account similarly quotes Rubio as saying he discussed "unifying Libya's military and building the conditions for lasting peace," and that the US "will continue working with Libyan leaders and international partners to support a more peaceful, unified, and prosperous Libya."

Both outlets agree on the US intention to support Libyan unity, though Al Jazeera provides more context on the political dynamics, including the role of the Government of National Unity in Tripoli and the eastern-based administration aligned with Khalifa Haftar's forces.

Key Claims

The US Initiative and Its Leader

Massad Boulos, who is also the father of Trump's son-in-law Michael Boulos, is leading the US-backed initiative, according to Al Jazeera. The plan seeks to "turn a growing financial crisis in Libya into an incentive for warring factions to cooperate," as reported by the outlet. Chatham House senior research fellow Tim Eaton told Al Jazeera that while US public messaging emphasizes an inclusive government, "their efforts really hinge on getting the Haftar and D" (the quote is cut off in the provided text).

Eastern Endorsements and Western Caution

Al Jazeera reports that eastern-based forces under commander Khalifa Haftar and more than 100 members of the eastern-based House of Representatives have expressed support for the plan. In western Libya, Abdul Hakim Belhaj, a former commander of the Tripoli Military Council who heads the al-Watan Party, issued a statement on June 21 officially backing the initiative. Belhaj called on the GNU to state its position, describing the US plan as an "opportunity to accelerate reaching political solutions that end the current state of political division." Aisha al-Tabalqi, a member of the HoR, also spoke to Al Jazeera about the initiative.

Al Jazeera notes that the GNU has been cautious in responding to the US plan. The outlet does not provide GNU leadership comments in the available excerpts.

Rubio's Meeting with Saddam Haftar

According to both Al Jazeera and TASS, Secretary Rubio met with Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander of the Libyan National Army, on Monday. The State Department statement carried by Al Jazeera said Rubio "expressed appreciation for the efforts of Libyan leaders to overcome divisions and move toward unity" and that "the United States will remain at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to support Libyan unity and create the conditions for a democratically elected government able to lead Libya forward."

Historical Context and Recent Deals

Al Jazeera reports that Libya has been split between rival eastern and western administrations since a civil war broke out after the 2011 NATO operation toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The outlet also notes that in April, the US helped broker an agreement for unified spending between the two governments, covering wages and the National Oil Corporation. Additionally, forces loyal to both governments participated in joint drills with US forces in Sirte last year.

Perspectives

US State Department

The State Department, through Secretary Rubio's meeting and statements, asserts that Washington supports Libyan-led efforts to unify military, economic, and political institutions, and will remain a diplomatic leader in support of unity and peace. TASS quotes Rubio's social media post on the discussion about unifying Libya's military and building conditions for lasting peace.

Tim Eaton, Chatham House (via Al Jazeera)

Eaton, a senior research fellow, suggests that despite public messaging about inclusivity, US efforts are primarily focused on getting the Haftar and D (presumably "Dosha" or another faction) to cooperate, indicating a pragmatic approach to unification.

Abdul Hakim Belhaj

Belhaj, a prominent western figure, endorses the US plan as a realistic opportunity for political solutions, urging the GNU to clarify its position. His backing is reported by Al Jazeera to carry significant symbolic weight despite his diminished political presence.