Italian media: Libya’s rival camps quietly resume dialogue

Italian newspapers Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica have reported that a secret meeting took place in Rome on 2 September between representatives of Libya’s rival factions, marking what has been described as a rare step towards re-establishing dialogue.

The talks brought together Ibrahim Dbeibah, adviser and nephew of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah of the internationally recognised Government of National Unity, and Saddam Haftar, in the presence of Massad Boulos, special envoy of former US President Donald Trump.

The reports stated that the meeting was held in strict secrecy, reflecting ongoing international efforts to ease tensions between Libya’s east and west.

Italian authorities reportedly maintained direct contact with both delegations, although Corriere della Sera emphasised that the United States and Qatar are leading the mediation efforts.

Analysts see this as part of Washington and Doha’s broader strategy to prevent Libya’s political stalemate from escalating into further violence.

The Rome talks come at a time of persistent institutional division and political deadlock in Libya, with rival administrations in Tripoli and Benghazi.

Observers say the discreet meeting signals renewed international engagement aimed at averting a new wave of instability in the Mediterranean region.