US and Regional Powers Seek to Unite Libya 15 Years After Gaddafi's Fall

Fifteen years after the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, with prolonged civil conflict that brought down one of Africa's once-wealthiest nations, many parties are now seeking to end the civil war and unify the country.

Among them is the United States, which has commercial interests in Libya's oil fields. Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are also pushing to revive a 'united Libya' after more than a decade of fighting between two rival governments vying for control of the country.

What happened 15 years ago

Libya's uprising erupted during the Arab Spring, when thousands in the port city of Benghazi took to the streets against Gaddafi's more than four-decade authoritarian rule. Violent suppression of the protests drove demonstrators into armed rebellion, leading to civil war.

A UN Security Council resolution authorized an international military intervention led by NATO, including the US, UK, and France, to impose a no-fly zone and protect civilians. The bombing campaign pushed Gaddafi's forces back from Benghazi and helped rebels gain territory. Gaddafi was captured and killed in October 2011, 42 years after he took power in a coup that overthrew King Idris.

How Libya became divided

After Gaddafi's death, numerous groups and affiliated militias competed for power amid the collapse of the central government. The country is now split between two rival administrations: the Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dheibah and recognized by the UN, based in Tripoli, and an eastern-based government in Tobruk backed by Khalifa Haftar and his self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA).

The GNU is recognized by the UN and many countries, with formal authority over the capital and western Libya. Meanwhile, Haftar's forces control vast resource-rich areas in the east, including the strategic port city of Benghazi, and are believed to have Russian support. Haftar lived in exile in the US for two decades before returning to Libya.

The UN began formal reconciliation efforts in 2020 through the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). This roadmap proposed a three-pronged strategy: unifying the two governments, organizing presidential and parliamentary elections, and holding national dialogue. The US has played a key behind-the-scenes mediating role, appointing Ambassador Richard Norlan as Special Envoy to Libya in May 2021 to lead high-level negotiations.

The new US plan

Under Massad Boulos, an adviser to President Donald Trump on African and Middle Eastern affairs and father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, Washington is stepping up efforts to unify the country. However, this goal can only be achieved if both sides agree to form a single government.

According to leaked details, Trump's initiative centers on a commitment to encourage US investment in Libya's major oil fields if the two governments cooperate. This comes as the Central Bank of Libya, which is trying to fund both governments, has warned of a severe economic situation. While Tripoli holds international legitimacy, Haftar's forces control the oil fields and export terminals.

The US has also proposed a power-sharing deal in which Dheibah continues to lead the government while Saddam Haftar, the 35-year-old son of Khalifa Haftar and LNA commander, serves as president. A unified and stable Libya presents clear opportunities for US energy companies, as well as economic and political benefits for European nations, including curbing illegal migration from Libya and North Africa to the EU.

However, critics say the US-led plan lacks consultation with the Libyan people, arguing it could entrench political dynasties, which may be the best option for long-term stability in Libya.

Progress so far

There are signs that Haftar's camp has at least supported the US plan. Saddam Haftar, whose father lived in Virginia until 2011, reportedly met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington in July. Experts suggest the reconciliation effort is gaining momentum thanks to a unified 2026 national budget, signed in April, the first in over a decade. Still, no talks or signs of forming a unity government have yet emerged.

Role of Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar

Turkey, which once deployed troops to support the GNU, is also mediating between the two sides and promoting a 'united Libya' policy. Last month, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Saddam Haftar in Ankara. Earlier this month, Fidan visited both Tripoli and Benghazi for high-level talks with Dheibah and Khalifa Haftar.

Egypt's government often works with Haftar's Tobruk-based administration, which lies right on its border. On Wednesday, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met Khalifa Haftar in Cairo to discuss unity talks. Earlier this month, Dheibah visited Cairo while Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad traveled to Tripoli.

Qatar largely supports the UN's mediation channels in Libya, including UNSMIL and the peace roadmap. While having good relations with the GNU, Qatar seeks stability efforts led by Libyans themselves and the holding of elections. In April, Qatar joined several countries in welcoming the unified 2026 budget. A statement by Qatar, Egypt, France, Germany, and others called on all parties in Libya to adhere to the UN roadmap to 'advance a Libyan-led political process toward a unified government and national elections.'