Summary:

On 9 September, US-coordinated meeting regarding national political reconciliation took place in Rome between Ibrahim Dbeibah, advisor to Libya’s Tripoli-based Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and Saddam Haftar, son of eastern Libyan leader Khalifa Haftar. First reported by Italy’s Nova News Agency, the meeting was later confirmed by the US Embassy. 

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According to the US statement, the meeting aimed to facilitate discussions on national reconciliation and address Libya’s ongoing divisions. The meeting reportedly covered security, military, political, and energy issues, as well as the United Nations’ call for a unified government to replace the current rival administrations.  

US advisor Massad Boulos was also reportedly present at the meeting, underscoring the international interest in Libya’s stabilization efforts and persistent US influence regarding next steps in any political process.  

However, the meeting has stirred controversy within Libya. Libya’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Al-Sadiq Al-Gharyani, raised alarms over these reports, suggesting that the US may have proposed relocating displaced Palestinians from Gaza to Libya. Al-Gharyani condemned such plans, emphasizing that Libya cannot become a destination for political resettlement and urging the Government of National Unity to publicly reject any such proposals. 

Outlook: 

Amidst Libya’s ongoing political process, divided military presence, and economic struggles, the Rome meeting represents a tentative step toward reconciliation between rival factions. While the US has taken a quieter role in shaping Libya’s future, potential US energy and infrastructure investments continue to offer US diplomats and firms an important seat at the table in any discussion regarding Libya’s future. 

However, reports of a proposed relocation of displaced Palestinians to Libya could inflame domestic tensions, potentially undermining the authority of both rival governments and complicating the political process. Such discussions could also increase anti-US sentiment in Libya and the broader region where US support for Isreal remains a highly inflammatory topic. 

Public opposition to such relocation plans is likely to be strong, and any perception of externally driven decisions may further destabilize the fragile balance of power and hinder progress toward a unified government. 

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