Libya’s Stability in the Balance as China Urges Withdrawal of Foreign Forces
As Libya’s peaceful reconstruction enters a critical stage, China is sounding the alarm on the need for international cooperation to ensure the country’s long-term peace and stability. Citing the ongoing chaos and conflict, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Dai Bing, called for all parties to come together and work towards a political settlement in the interest of the Libyan people.
In a Security Council briefing on the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Dai emphasized the importance of African solutions to African problems, urging the international community to support efforts towards a peaceful resolution. “We call for the respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Libya, and reiterate our urge that external armed forces and mercenaries be withdrawn from Libya as soon as possible in a smooth and orderly manner,” he said.
The Chinese envoy also highlighted the need to ease antagonism and confrontation, maintain security and stability, and focus on humanitarian challenges and improving people’s livelihood in Libya. He stressed that Libya’s rival factions must put the interest of the country and their people first, remain rational and restrained, and work together to safeguard the hard-won detente.
The call to action comes as Libya’s rival factions continue to rely on foreign fighters, with very few forces having withdrawn from the country since the 2020 ceasefire agreement. The absence of peace has led to a fragile security situation, with the country’s security structure still seriously divided.
As the international community grapples with the complex crisis in Libya, China’s plea for cooperation and reform sounds a timely warning for the stakes to be raised. The world is watching, and the fate of Libya hangs in the balance.
