Qatar pledges support for efforts to end Libya’s political division

What the report says

Qatar has said it will support efforts to resolve Libya’s long-running political split, according to Al Jazeera, after a visit by Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi to Benghazi. He met Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the self-styled Libyan National Army, which is aligned with Libya’s eastern authorities, and discussed regional developments and broader political questions.

Al Jazeera reported that al-Khulaifi reaffirmed Doha’s backing for Libya’s unity, sovereignty and a political process that reflects Libyans’ aspirations. He also emphasized continued dialogue and reconciliation, and said Qatar would keep engaging with Libyan parties and leaders while supporting United Nations-led efforts toward a political agreement. The minister separately told Al Jazeera he had also discussed ways to support national dialogue with leaders in Tripoli.

The visit comes shortly after Libyan negotiators agreed on an initial election pact aimed at moving toward long-delayed elections. As described by Al Jazeera, the deal was reached by the “4+4” committee, with members drawn from eastern and western institutions, and it is intended to rewrite election laws and set a 24-month timetable. But the arrangement faces doubts because of Libya’s divided institutions, legal gaps and persistent mistrust.

Libya has been split since 2014 between rival administrations in Tripoli and the east. The latest diplomatic outreach from Qatar adds to a broader international push to reduce the division and create conditions for elections, though the implementation challenge remains substantial.