Libya is too important to be ignored

The north African country faces a number of challenges that require international help

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi has warned about the danger of not paying attention to Libya. Simela Pantzartzi / EPA

Yesterday, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to four civil society organisations that have been instrumental in Tunisia’s transition from dictatorship to democracy. The award was a milestone for the country and the region. Accepting the award, the recipients didn’t reflect on the past but urged for more action in Libya.

With the world’s attention squarely on the crisis in Syria, discussion about the deteriorating situation in Libya is lacking. Put simply, the country needs international assistance in securing its borders, stopping the flow of weapons and building up civil society organisations that can facilitate a mediation process between all the parties on the ground. Abdessatar Ben Mousaa, head of Tunisia’s Human Rights League, noted that “arms can never be a solution, not in Syria nor in Libya. There is a need for dialogue and no blood and no fighters”. The issue of weapons was also brought up by Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi this week.

After a meeting with Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras in Athens on Tuesday, Mr El Sisi warned that “not confronting the situation in Libya will lead to new dangers in the region. An international mobilisation is necessary to stop the trafficking of weapons and secure [Libya’s] ground and sea borders”.

The Egyptian president is right. There are already reports that ISIL militants have established a foothold in the north African country, which provides them with a temporary refuge from the air strikes pounding Iraq and Syria. Yet, mobilisation to stop the flow of weapons and secure the country’s borders will only be a temporary solution to this crisis.

Just as in Tunisia, a process of truth and reconciliation is necessary for society to heal from Muammar Qaddafi’s four-decade rule and establish strong institutions that will safeguard the country. Saadi Qaddafi, one of the late dictator’s sons, is currently on trial for an alleged murder in 2005 and repression of the protests that toppled his father in 2011. While he is a high profile case, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of similar trials that must take place for the healing process to organically unfold.

A secure and prosperous Libya is pivotal to the stability of the entire North Africa region. We must continue to help the country by supporting civil society steps towards reconciliation and securing the country’s borders.