Misrata Challenges U.S. Diplomatic Initiative in Libya Amid Political Tensions

The coastal city of Misrata, a traditional military and commercial hub near Tripoli, is presenting a significant challenge to the American diplomatic initiative on Libya. This situation requires mediation involving influential tribal leaders and dignitaries, following Washington’s decision to take direct control after years of arduous efforts through United Nations mediation.

During his recent visit to Misrata, located east of Tripoli, Masad Paulos, adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, sought to gauge public and civil society reactions to the proposed power-sharing arrangement among key Libyan factions, recognizing Misrata’s political weight in critical decision-making.

However, the proposal faced resistance from certain parties, prompting Paulos to clarify that no "written initiative" currently exists. This statement indicated that the American proposal remains open to adjustments based on the various parties’ positions.

Despite this reassurance, the Misrata Military Council convened its second national meeting on Monday evening to respond to what it termed the "Paulos deal," justifying its action by emphasizing the "commitment to Libya’s unity and sovereignty."

Before taking this escalatory stance, a knowledgeable Libyan source told "Erem News" that Misrata’s dignitaries and elites met with Abdelsalam Zoubi, Deputy Minister of Defense in the Interim Unity Government, shortly after his meetings with Masad Paulos and the Deputy Commander of AFRICOM during a Washington visit. The purpose was to obtain details about the American deal.

The source, who preferred anonymity, also noted that the meeting included former revolutionary leaders and members of both the Military and Municipal Councils. However, the source refrained from disclosing specifics of discussions held in Malta or the United States.

Several weeks earlier, Abdelsalam Zoubi and Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander of the Libyan National Army, conducted separate visits to Washington.

Tribal leaders and dignitaries in Misrata have set conditions for the Unity Government’s acceptance of any agreements. They favor paving the way for elections, calling for an expedited constitutional referendum followed by parliamentary and presidential elections.

Misrata is recognized as a major force in western Libya and among the most important political actors, essential for maintaining any agreement concerning Tripoli.

The United States has facilitated agreements between the rival governments on issues including public spending and has encouraged military cooperation between the General Command forces and the Unity Government.

Paulos stated that Libyan leaders could be invited to Washington to sign a final agreement if consensus is reached.

The General Command expressed support for the American initiative in a statement issued on June 18, indicating readiness to engage with the proposal.

The Libyan House of Representatives also endorsed the initiative, viewing it as "an opportunity to advance the political process," with the leader of the Homeland Party, Abdel Hakim Belhaj, joining their support.

The House called for a positive approach to the initiative and urged the Unity Government to announce a clear position and specify the necessary guarantees for its success.

However, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, head of the Interim National Unity Government and a native of Misrata, announced on Sunday his intention to address the Libyan people soon. He plans to detail various local and international initiatives, along with his vision for ending division and moving toward elections.

Dbeibeh affirmed that he "will not make or impose any decisions regarding the country’s future without the will of the Libyan people," while declaring his government’s plan to launch a broad national dialogue involving diverse political and social forces to reach a shared vision for the upcoming phase.

The question remains: How might Misrata’s stance threaten to derail the Paulos initiative on Libya?