Senussi name emerges in Libya talks

A UAE-funded media outlet has reported that political discussions are taking place over the possible nomination of a figure from Libya’s historic Senussi family to head a new government, amid renewed efforts to resolve the country’s long-running political deadlock.

According to Erem News, Libyan political sources said the name of Nasser Salah Mansour Safi Al-Din Al-Sharif Al-Senussi has been raised during local and international consultations concerning the formation of a new executive authority.

The report said proponents of the proposal believe the Senussi family’s historical symbolism, combined with its perceived distance from the political and military rivalries that have dominated Libya since 2011, could make such a candidate more acceptable across the country’s rival factions in the east, west and south.

However, no official announcement has been made regarding Al-Senussi’s nomination, and the discussions remain part of broader political consultations aimed at identifying a possible consensus figure for the next phase.

Observers say any attempt to appoint a new prime minister would require a delicate political balance between Libya’s competing institutions and power centres, alongside support for the wider United Nations-led political process.

The discussions come as the United Nations Support Mission in Libya continues efforts to revive the stalled political track through consultations focused on advancing a roadmap towards elections and unified state institutions.

UN envoy Hanna Tetteh recently stated that the mission had intensified engagement with Libyan political actors in an attempt to break the current impasse and move forward with the proposed political roadmap.

Meanwhile, Massad Boulos, adviser to the US president on African and Arab affairs, recently suggested that general elections in Libya could potentially be held by the end of this year or early next year, while pointing to what he described as encouraging signs regarding the possible unification of Libya’s institutions.

Political analysts say any future executive authority will face significant challenges, including restoring public confidence in state institutions, improving essential services and creating the political and security conditions necessary for credible nationwide elections.