Libya on the Brink of Change… but Its Success Depends on Cooperation

My return to Libya last October as the United Kingdom’s ambassador offered an opportunity to reflect on the scale of transformation the country has undergone since my first visit in 2010 as part of the British delegation to the Europe–Africa Summit. That earlier trip was brief, yet memorable, allowing me to wander through the alleys of Tripoli’s old city, admire its magnificent second-century Roman arch, and observe its rich blend of Islamic and Italian architecture.

In the years that followed, I visited Libya twice amid a rapidly changing landscape marked by two civil wars, the rise and eventual defeat of ISIS, and repeated attempts to reunify the country. I was pleased to return now as ambassador at a time when travel beyond the capital has become considerably easier. During journeys along the coastal road to Benghazi and Misrata, and visits to the historic sites of Sabratha, Leptis Magna, and Cyrene, I witnessed firsthand how dramatically the country has changed since the height of the conflict. Both Tripoli and Benghazi now appear almost entirely transformed, filled with new construction projects. Even Sirte, once the scene of fierce battles only a few years ago, has undergone significant change.

Yet Libya’s political and economic foundations remain fragile. Entrenched corruption and the absence of transparency mean that a substantial portion of the state’s enormous oil revenues continues to be misused. Armed clashes persist across various parts of the country between militias and criminal networks, while institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law remain insufficiently empowered to hold perpetrators accountable. For many Libyans, daily life remains difficult amid the continuing depreciation of the national currency.

Underlying all of this is a deep political divide between eastern and western Libya, which has entrenched unsustainable systems of governance and prevented the country from realizing its full potential.

And Libya’s potential is indeed enormous. It occupies a strategic position at the heart of the Mediterranean and the African continent, possesses vast oil and gas reserves, and is home to a diverse, highly educated, and talented population. Libya can—and should—be as prosperous as any other country in the region.

The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting Libya as it takes decisive steps toward becoming a unified state governed by effective institutions that serve all citizens. This has long been a shared objective among many Libyan actors and international partners. Nevertheless, meaningful progress toward a sustainable political settlement has remained elusive. Yet in an increasingly volatile global economy, change is coming to Libya. The critical question is whether Libya’s leaders are prepared to channel that change toward lasting progress.

There are encouraging signs. Libya’s House of Representatives and the High Council of State recently agreed upon the country’s first unified budget in more than thirteen years, raising hopes for a new era of fiscal discipline. Libyan stakeholders are also engaging constructively with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya under the leadership of Hanna Tetteh in pursuit of a sustainable political solution.

The international community must build upon this momentum and strengthen its support for United Nations efforts, as well as for broader initiatives aimed at advancing political and economic progress. As the penholder on Libya at the United Nations Security Council, the United Kingdom remains committed to coordinating international efforts despite ongoing challenges.

An important part of my role involves expanding British engagement with all segments of Libyan society. During my first six months in Libya, it became impossible to ignore the untapped potential for cooperation in education, professional training, and technical expertise. These are traditional British strengths and are in high demand. There is a genuine opportunity to help strengthen Libyan institutions and nurture local talent.

Libya and its European partners must also work together to dismantle illicit financial networks that enrich criminal organizations within all our societies. An even more urgent priority lies in combating human smuggling and trafficking networks that drive migration flows into Libya and onward toward Europe. The human cost of this trade is horrific, while the burden placed upon Libyan communities is unsustainable. We remain committed to working with Libya to strengthen border management capabilities and reduce the flow of migrants through the country and beyond.

In a dynamic and resource-rich country such as Libya, change is inevitable. Yet sustainable progress can only be achieved through cooperation among Libyans themselves and through constructive engagement with supportive international partners. I am determined to use my time in Libya to contribute to this effort, and I firmly believe that Libya is capable of overcoming the challenges of recent decades and moving forward toward a more stable future.

Originally published in Asharq Al-Awsat