A Way Out for Libya [Atlantic Council]

November 13, 2014

The Libyan quagmire has worsened. Last week, the country’s Supreme Court compromised the standing of portions of the elections law that led to the instituting of Libya’s elected parliament, the House of Representatives. Much controversy surrounded the vague decision and the circumstances in which it took place, exacerbating tensions between forces aligned with the Tobruk-based House and those aligned with the Islamist-backed Tripoli-based Operation Dawn alliance. The two sides have engaged in a violent power struggle for the future of Libya. The decision puts the international community in an awkward position, given its recognition of the House as the country’s legitimate government.

This development comes as Libya faces increased attacks from radical armed groups. Ansar al-Shari’a and its allies in Benghazi are currently engaged in hostilities with other residents and forces loyal to the elected parliament. The alignment of hardline elements in the Dawn coalition with the alliance in Benghazi—which includes extremists such as Ansar al-Shari’a—is particularly worrisome. Meanwhile in Derna, many radical Islamists have also sworn allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).Libya needs an internationally assisted roadmap to lead it out of this disaster and bring about national consensus, in order to allow the country to combat the radical security threats it faces, and begin the reconstruction process. This roadmap should include the following elements:

1. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) should pursue with full force the mediation process brokered by the UN Special Envoy, with full support from all international actors.
2. A national unity government composed of elements supported by the House of Representatives and moderate factions aligned with Tripoli should be formed. A national partner for this part of the process may include the Constitutional Assembly, which faces no legal quandary. This government should be headed by an interim prime minister. Parties that pose a liability to the formation of this government, including Khalifa Haftar on the House’s side, and Abdel Hakim Belhadj of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group, should leave the political scene.
3. All militias should be disarmed or integrated into the Libyan National Army, which should immediately work to establish nationwide security. The Libyan National Army should expel radical forces from Benghazi and Derna, and should implement immediate security sector reform, applicable to all Libyan security forces. This cannot be overestimated as crucial.
4. An interim national constitution should be approved by the constitutional assembly as soon as possible. This constitution should define presidential and parliamentary powers.
5. Elections for a head of state and the parliament should be held simultaneously. Elections should incorporate transferable voting to provide officials the widest possible mandate.
6. A new national unity government should be formed following elections. This government would work with the constitutional assembly to create a permanent constitution.

The international community is critical to this entire process—particularly the United Nations and the UN Support Mission to Libya, headed by Bernardino Leon, who has proven apt at building alliances. The role of a prime minister who can maintain unity is likewise vital.

Libya is far too fragile to withstand internal and external pressures. All regional and international actors involved must support the UN initiative without covertly interfering with Libya. The UN Security Council and its member states must support this initiative and empower the process with all means at their disposal.This is a very delicate time, and the opportunity to initiate positive change before Libya goes beyond the brink is shrinking fast. Libya can recover and rebuild, or it can go over the precipice. The choice must be made now.Dr. H.A. Hellyer is nonresident fellow at the Centre for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution in DC, and Associate Fellow in International Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute in London. Follow him on Twitter@hahellyer.

Source: Atlantic Council

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