Libya Council Calls for Unified National Military

Libya’s Presidential Council Chairman Mohamed Menfi has called for the country’s armed forces to be brought under one professional command operating under civilian authority.

Menfi said in a statement on X on July 1 that Libya needed a unified military institution that remains separate from political disputes.

He said the military should focus on protecting Libya’s borders, natural resources, constitutional institutions and national sovereignty.

Menfi said the continued existence of multiple military structures across the country placed Libya before a national responsibility that could not be postponed.

Libya has remained divided between rival political and military authorities in the east and west since 2014.

Major fighting paused after a 2020 ceasefire, but efforts to produce a full political settlement and hold national elections have faced repeated delays.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya has continued to support the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, which was created to help maintain the ceasefire and support dialogue between rival military actors.

Menfi’s remarks came after the first African Chiefs of Staff Conference in Angola, which he said produced positive indications.

The call also comes as Libyan institutions continue discussions on a political roadmap and the need to unify state bodies.

It was not immediately clear what mechanism would be used to place rival forces under one command.

SOURCE: Anadolu Agency, LANA, Reuters, UNSMIL