Tripartite Statement from Cairo Seeks to End Libyan Political Division

Foreign ministers of Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria held a trilateral meeting in Cairo as part of a regional cooperation mechanism focused on the Libyan crisis. The meeting concluded with a joint statement emphasizing the urgent need for a consensual political solution that preserves Libya’s security and stability, as well as that of the broader region.

The statement expressed concern over the recent security developments in Tripoli and urged all Libyan parties to exercise “maximum restraint and an immediate halt to escalation,” in order to safeguard the safety of civilians.

UN-Backed Solution and Rejection of Foreign Interference

The ministers underlined the importance of reaching a comprehensive national consensus to end the political division and unify Libyan institutions under the supervision of the United Nations and with direct support from neighboring countries. They also stressed the need to hold simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections as soon as possible.

The three countries reaffirmed their support for a “purely Libyan-owned political process,” calling for a solution that is “Libyan–Libyan” and reflective of the will of all segments of Libyan society. They reiterated their rejection of all forms of foreign interference, which they noted could prolong the crisis and undermine stability.

The statement further highlighted the necessity of supporting the efforts of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission to uphold the ceasefire agreement, and called for a clear timeline for the withdrawal of foreign forces, along with the reunification of Libya’s military and security institutions.

Continued Trilateral Coordination

The foreign ministers agreed to continue their trilateral coordination and consultations with the United Nations in order to assess the evolving political and security landscape in Libya and work toward achieving regional stability and development.

The Tunisian and Algerian foreign ministers expressed appreciation to Egypt for hosting the meeting and the warm reception. It was also agreed that the next meetings will be held in Algeria and then Tunisia before the end of the year, as part of a renewed effort to reactivate the tripartite neighboring countries mechanism, originally established in 2017 and suspended since 2019.