US official urges institutional unity after Benghazi meetings

Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to the President of the United States, has reiterated Washington’s support for Libya’s efforts to unify its military and financial institutions, describing institutional cohesion as essential for long-term stability.

Boulos made the remarks following meetings in Benghazi with Saddam Haftar and Belqasim Haftar, during which discussions focused on international backing for Libya’s security and economic reform efforts.

According to statements attributed to the US official, Washington supports initiatives aimed at unifying Libya’s armed forces, stressing that progress on security sector reform must go hand in hand with broader institutional consolidation.

Boulos also underscored the importance of agreeing on a unified national budget, describing it as a key step towards restoring financial discipline and improving economic governance. He further highlighted the need to safeguard the unity and independence of the Central Bank of Libya, noting that a stable and unified central bank is central to enhancing financial stability and rebuilding confidence in the Libyan economy.

The US adviser holds the role of Senior Adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs and has also been appointed Senior Advisor for Africa, according to official US announcements.

His visit comes amid renewed international engagement aimed at reducing institutional fragmentation in Libya and encouraging consensus-based reforms across the country’s political, military and economic institutions.