MWE Correspondent
Tanzania has joined other African nations in applauding the continent’s leadership for renewing efforts to end the prolonged crisis in Libya through the National Reconciliation Charter.
The virtual African Union Peace and Security Council (AU‑PSC) summit, held this week, brought together heads of state to address Libya’s stalled political process, security challenges, and path to elections.
Representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the summit was Tanzania’s Minister for Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa, who expressed Tanzania’s support for African-led solutions to the ongoing Libyan conflict.
The summit, chaired by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda—who currently heads the AU‑PSC—focused on evaluating the implementation of the reconciliation roadmap adopted earlier this year in Addis Ababa. The document sets out a vision for unity, peace, and national elections in a country deeply divided since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi.
Libya remains fractured between two rival administrations—the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and the House of Representatives backed by General Khalifa Haftar and the Libyan National Army (LNA) in the east.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Bashungwa commended President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo, who chairs the AU High-Level Committee on Libya. The Congolese leader has played a central role in coordinating peace efforts and encouraging Libyan parties to come together in dialogue.
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The summit—the 1291st session of the AU‑PSC—was notable for its scale and urgency. Participants included high-ranking AU officials, members of the Libyan Presidential Council, and representatives from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), led by Hanna Tetteh, the UN’s Special Representative to Libya.
The leaders in attendance expressed strong support for:
- Full implementation of the ceasefire agreed upon in October 2020
- Accelerated reform of Libya’s security institutions
- Commitment to an inclusive, African-facilitated electoral process
- A unified rejection of foreign interference in Libyan internal affairs
Mohamed Al-Menfi, Chair of Libya’s Presidential Council, addressed the meeting remotely. He urged African countries to reopen the AU Liaison Office in Tripoli and conduct fact-finding missions to support reconciliation and monitor peace progress.
The AU’s call for “African solutions to African problems” was echoed by multiple speakers, underlining the continent’s desire to take ownership of regional peacebuilding. The adopted communiqué encouraged all Libyan stakeholders who had not signed the charter to join the reconciliation process and ensure that no group is left behind.
Tanzania’s message—delivered with diplomacy and conviction—highlighted the potential of regional solidarity in achieving sustainable peace. “A stable Libya means a stable Africa,” said Bashungwa, adding that the ripple effects of peace in Libya would strengthen regional security, reduce arms proliferation, and help tackle threats like terrorism and human trafficking.
As Libya prepares for long-delayed elections, this summit could be a turning point. It signaled renewed momentum for AU engagement in Libya—moving beyond political statements to concrete action.
While the path ahead remains uncertain, the will for peace is growing stronger. Africa, through its union and leaders, is making it clear that it does not intend to remain a passive observer but an active player in shaping the future of one of its most fragile members.
