Boulos: Libyan-led unity remains key to lasting stability

US Senior Adviser for Africa Massad Boulos has said representatives from eastern and western Libya are increasingly setting aside their differences in the national interest, citing recent political and military cooperation as evidence of growing momentum towards unity and stability.

In written responses to questions from Asharq Al-Awsat, Boulos said US diplomatic engagement in Libya has delivered gradual but tangible progress since July 2025.

Among the developments he highlighted were the launch of a unified development programme, the signing of Libya’s first unified state budget since 2013, and the participation of military personnel from eastern and western Libya in the US-led Flintlock 26 military exercise in Sirte.

Boulos said these developments have helped build confidence between Libya’s rival military forces and represent important steps towards strengthening national cohesion.

He stressed that efforts should continue towards establishing unified governance across the country, describing national unity as the foundation of political legitimacy and an essential prerequisite for holding democratic elections.

“Unity is the basis of legitimacy and democratic elections,” Boulos said, adding that any successful political initiative must be inclusive and involve all Libyan regions, institutions and components of society.

The US adviser reaffirmed Washington’s support for the roadmap led by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), saying the United States is working in close coordination with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya and head of UNSMIL, Hanna Tetteh.

He said the US role is intended to complement, rather than replace, the UN-led political process, stressing that Libya’s future must ultimately be determined by Libyans themselves.

Boulos added that the final details of any agreement aimed at unifying Libya’s institutions remain the responsibility of Libyan stakeholders, while noting that Washington continues to engage with a broad range of Libyan parties to help develop proposals capable of securing broad national support.

Responding to suggestions that the renewed US engagement is driven by strategic competition with Russia or China, Boulos rejected the assertion, saying Washington’s objective is to support a unified Libya capable of safeguarding its sovereignty, strengthening stability and expanding economic opportunities.

On Libya’s energy sector, Boulos said US interest extends beyond ensuring continued oil production and exports, arguing that improving the management of oil revenues and public resources is essential to creating the conditions for sustainable peace and long-term economic stability.

He added that recent progress in the sector, particularly the efforts of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), has contributed to growing interest among major US energy companies in investing in Libya through the development of existing oilfields and new exploration opportunities.

Commenting on his recent visit to Misrata, Boulos said he met the city’s Council of Elders and elected municipal leaders, describing their views as important to supporting successful municipal elections and advancing a stable and unified Libya.

The visit came amid reservations expressed by some political and community groups in Misrata regarding aspects of the reported US political initiative. However, Boulos said his meetings underscored the importance of maintaining dialogue with local stakeholders and ensuring that any political process reflects the views of Libyans across the country.

Boulos concluded by reaffirming the United States’ commitment to maintaining engagement with Libyans in all regions in support of a Libyan-led political process aimed at achieving lasting stability, unifying state institutions and paving the way for a comprehensive political settlement.