Who signed the Libyan Political Agreement? This question has been at the heart of the ongoing political turmoil in Libya since the agreement was first signed in December 2015. The Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) was a landmark deal aimed at ending the conflict that had raged in the North African country since the ouster of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. However, its implementation has been fraught with challenges, and the agreement remains a contentious issue among various factions vying for power in Libya.
The Libyan Political Agreement was signed by two prominent figures representing the opposing sides of the conflict. On one side was Fayez al-Sarraj, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), which was established with the support of the United Nations. Al-Sarraj, a seasoned politician, had been leading efforts to unite the warring factions and establish a legitimate government in Tripoli. On the other side was Khalifa Haftar, the military commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), which controls much of eastern Libya. Haftar had been pushing for a strong central government and had been accused by some of being a dictator in the making.
The signing of the LPA was a significant moment in Libya’s history, as it marked the first time that the two main factions had agreed to a political solution. The agreement called for the formation of a nine-member Presidency Council, which would oversee the transition process and prepare for elections. Al-Sarraj was appointed as the head of the Presidency Council, while Haftar was given the role of military representative. However, the agreement’s implementation has been hindered by a lack of unity among the factions and external interference from neighboring countries.
Despite the optimism surrounding the LPA, the agreement has faced numerous setbacks. The Presidency Council has struggled to gain control over the various armed groups and factions within Libya. Additionally, the LNA has continued to expand its control over eastern Libya, often clashing with the GNA’s forces. This has led to a de facto partition of the country, with the LNA controlling the east and the GNA holding sway in the west.
The situation has been further complicated by the intervention of neighboring countries, particularly Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. These countries have supported different factions within Libya, exacerbating the conflict and hindering the implementation of the LPA. The international community has been divided on how to address the crisis, with some countries pushing for a united Libya while others support the interests of specific factions.
In conclusion, the Libyan Political Agreement was signed by Fayez al-Sarraj and Khalifa Haftar, representing the two main factions in the conflict. While the agreement was a significant step towards peace and stability, its implementation has been fraught with challenges. The lack of unity among the factions, external interference, and the ongoing conflict have all contributed to the continued instability in Libya. The future of the agreement and the fate of the country remain uncertain, as the various factions continue to vie for power and influence.
