**Qatar Pledges Support for Efforts to End Libya’s Political Division**
Benghazi, Libya – During a recent visit to Benghazi, Qatar’s Minister of State, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at resolving Libya’s longstanding political division. This visit, which took place on August 28, 2026, included a meeting with Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the self-styled Libyan National Army, which is aligned with the eastern-based government that remains unrecognized by many international bodies.
Libya has been embroiled in political turmoil since 2014, resulting in a split between two rival governments: the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and the eastern administration under Osama Hammad, which is backed by Haftar. The ongoing conflict has hindered the country’s ability to achieve stability and governance.
During the discussions, al-Khulaifi emphasized Qatar’s support for Libyan unity and sovereignty, highlighting the importance of a political process that aligns with the aspirations of the Libyan people. He stated that continued dialogue and reconciliation are essential for building consensus and establishing a stable political environment. Qatar’s engagement with Libyan leaders aims to bolster United Nations efforts towards a comprehensive political agreement.
The visit comes at a critical time as Libyan negotiators recently reached an initial election pact, which is seen as a significant step toward addressing the political division that has plagued the country for years. The agreement, formulated by the “4+4” committee, consists of four members each from the eastern House of Representatives and the Tripoli-linked High Council of the State. This pact revises the laws governing presidential and legislative elections and sets a 24-month deadline for their execution.
Despite the optimism surrounding the election pact, concerns remain regarding its implementation. Reports indicate that many stakeholders feel excluded from the negotiation process, and the final text of the agreement has not been universally accepted. The United Nations has described the agreement as an important milestone, with plans to publish the full document once it is formally signed.
However, challenges persist. Legal experts and political analysts have pointed out significant gaps between the powers of the parties involved in the agreement and the institutions that hold the authority to implement it. Al-Mahdi Kashbour, a Libyan legal expert, noted that the divide between the negotiating parties and the governing institutions complicates the path forward. Elias al-Barouni, a political analyst, echoed these sentiments, stating that while the pact is a step forward, it lacks concrete plans for the governance of Libya during the interim period leading up to elections.
As Qatar continues to engage with Libyan factions, the international community remains hopeful that these efforts will contribute to a more stable and unified Libya. The commitment from Qatar, coupled with the recent election pact, may provide a foundation for renewed dialogue and cooperation among Libyan leaders. However, the road to achieving lasting peace and political unity in Libya remains fraught with challenges that will require sustained effort and collaboration from all parties involved.