Visit to Libya by Sassou N’Guesso, President of the AU High Committee

Congo-Brazzaville President Denis Sassou N’Guesso conducted a three-day visit to Libya from December 9 to December 11, marking his first trip to the country since 2011. Acting in his capacity as Chair of the African Union High-Level Committee for Libya, Sassou N’Guesso engaged in talks with key Libyan officials in both Tripoli and Benghazi.

His visit reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize Libya, an initiative the Committee has pursued vigorously over the past four years, since the Berlin Conference on Libya.

During his visit, Sassou N’Guesso first met with authorities from western Libya in Tripoli on Monday and later traveled to Benghazi for discussions on Tuesday. The primary goal of these meetings was to foster unity among Libya’s divided factions and initiate a process of national reconciliation that could ultimately pave the way for elections. President Sassou N’Guesso emphasized that the drafting of the reconciliation charter should reflect Libya’s unique history, culture, and aspirations, with African input to ensure widespread acceptance. According to sources, drafts of the charter already exist, laying the groundwork for this critical step in Libya’s journey toward peace and stability.

In Tripoli, the Congolese president expressed optimism following his meeting with Libyan Presidential Council leader Mohammed el-Menfi, stating, “Hope is allowed.” While challenges remain in organizing a national reconciliation conference, Sassou N’Guesso presented an alternative approach described as “a new contribution” by Jean-Claude Gakosso, Congo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, who accompanied him on the trip.

The African Union High-Level Committee for Libya now aims to secure the signing of a Libyan reconciliation charter during the African Union Summit scheduled for February 2025 in Addis Ababa. This charter is envisioned as a step forward in lieu of a full Conference. The original plan to bring the Heads of the ten member states of the High-Level Committee to Libya for the signing was abandoned due to logistical hurdles, including the lack of direct flights from international airlines to Libya since 2011.