Africa-Press. The French newspaper “Le Monde” reported that there are currently no indications that the American “Paul’s Initiative” regarding Libya will include guarantees for holding elections, despite the United Nations Security Council affirming that the electoral process is a primary goal of the political path.
The report explained that the intensification of the diplomatic efforts by the American administration reflects its awareness of what it described as the economic and political opportunity in the country, alongside its aim to counter Russian influence and Moscow’s relationship with the Libyan army.
Paul’s Visit to Libya
It noted that the visit of the special advisor to the American president for African affairs, Messaoud Paul, to Libya turned into a “diplomatic marathon,” as he held a series of meetings with officials in both the western and eastern parts of the country on July 7 and 8. These included the head of the interim Government of National Unity Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, the commander of the Libyan army Khalifa Haftar, as well as figures from Misrata and the governor of the Central Bank of Libya, Najy Mohamed Issa.
The newspaper mentioned that the so-called “Paul’s Initiative” aims to unify state institutions, as part of American efforts that began in September 2025 to push the two competing governments towards an agreement whose details have not yet been disclosed. It pointed out that the most significant achievement so far has been the adoption of the first unified budget in mid-April.
It added that a previous report by the “Financial Times” cited informed sources stating that the initiative might keep Dbeibeh in the presidency of the government, while assigning the presidency of the Presidential Council to Seddik Haftar. This arrangement would allow Dbeibeh’s government to continue managing the executive authority while providing the Haftar family with broader international recognition.
“Le Monde” quoted Libyan affairs researcher Jalil Harshawi as saying that this settlement, if approved, would make Seddik Haftar the official head of state while retaining command of the armed forces, noting that he was received in Washington at the end of June.
Increased American Interest in Libya
The newspaper viewed that the increased American interest in Libya is also linked to economic interests, as American companies expand their activities in the Libyan oil sector, including “ConocoPhillips” and “ExxonMobil,” in addition to Washington’s desire to limit Russian influence, which has led it to organize joint military exercises between forces from western and eastern Libya during 2025 and 2026.
According to Harshawi, the intensity of recent meetings and Paul’s statements regarding Libya may indicate that the announcement of the final phase of the proposed American agreement is approaching.
Conversely, the newspaper pointed out that the initiative does not enjoy a Libyan consensus, noting protests that took place in the city of Misrata coinciding with Paul’s visit, in addition to military movements carried out by armed groups affiliated with the “Military Council of Misrata” to strengthen their positions in Tripoli.
It quoted the spokesperson for the military council, Younes Al-Salabi, as saying that Misrata supports a peaceful solution but rejects any initiative that includes individuals whose names have appeared in reports by the United Nations Expert Committee, emphasizing the necessity of holding a referendum on the constitution and organizing elections, which “Le Monde” stated there are currently no indications that “Paul’s Initiative” will include.
