Opening the coastal road is a positive step
Former Libyan minister: America must intervene to prevent Libya from returning to chaos
The upcoming elections may change the political balance in Libya.
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Fathi Bashagha: We are aware of the enormity of the tasks required of the Libyans.
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At an international conference in Berlin less than two months ago, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken delivered an urgent message about the future of Libya, which has been wracked by 10 years of political turmoil.
He declared that "a sovereign, stable, united, secure Libya, free of foreign interference, is critical to regional security."
For that to happen, national elections, scheduled for December, must go ahead.
Blinken's statement gave new hope to a country of seven million people who looks forward to voting in presidential and parliamentary elections on December 24, as part of the UN-backed peace process.
Blinken indicated that President Joe Biden and his team will abandon the Trump administration's approach of non-interference in Libya.
It also showed that all 17 countries that attended the Berlin conference are ready to play their part in helping Libya build its potential as a democracy.
But there are growing fears that that promise will be broken again, as a small group, in Libya, makes a last-ditch attempt to annul the elections because they know they are unlikely to keep their posts, if voters have their say.
The Libyans, in turn, are preventing these bad actors from tampering with the electoral timetable approved by the United Nations.
Imad al-Sayeh of the Libyan High Elections Commission is bravely preparing for the elections, after more than 2.7 million voters have been registered.
Meanwhile, countless activists are following in the footsteps of Salwa Bugais - the heroic Libyan human rights lawyer - who defied the role of militias in the aftermath of the revolution, and was tragically assassinated in 2014. But we Libyans cannot do it alone.
The United States can help by imposing severe and immediate sanctions against anyone attempting to obstruct the country's electoral process, even if those individuals currently hold positions in the Libyan state.
To be sure, free and fair elections are just the beginning of a process that will take years, and one that requires leaders who can secure and unite a country that has been deeply divided.
But I know since I was Minister of Interior in Libya's Government of National Accord that Libyans are ready to challenge corruption, eradicate terrorism, attract foreign investment, and rebuild our country's healthcare system.
One of the immediate priorities must be to resolve the differences between the western and eastern parts of our country.
first step
The first positive step is the reopening of the coastal road between Misrata and Sirte, thanks to the efforts of the UN-backed (5+5) Committee.
We must also ensure the equitable distribution of oil revenues, root out corruption in the National Central Bank, and restore the confidence of international companies, so that they understand that it is safe to return to Libya.
Then there is the vital importance of building an inclusive modern society that recognizes the rights of all Libyans.
And I know that having a variety of votes at the table leads to better decisions.
Libyans know that lasting progress will not be achieved overnight.
But the elections are a necessary first step in the challenge of removing foreign fighters from Libyan soil, addressing the public health crisis caused by the current pandemic, and providing economic relief to those who need it most.
As someone who has dedicated his life to building a fully sovereign Libyan state, I am inspired and optimistic by the support we have received, both at home and abroad.
The Biden administration should help Libya by sending a clear message that those who stand in the way of free elections will be punished, and that the United States supports peace and democracy in a country wracked by the duality of war and corruption.
Fathi Bashagha ■ Former Minister of Interior of Libya
• America can help by imposing severe and immediate sanctions against those who attempt to obstruct the country's electoral process, even if these individuals currently hold official positions.
• Libyans are ready to challenge corruption, eradicate terrorism, attract foreign investment, and rebuild the country's health care system.
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