The Vision of the Next Government
THIS NATION, ITS PLACE AND STATUS
Introduction
Geography has long been both a blessing and a challenge. Libya sits in a region of potential and obstacles. Centrally located along the northern African coast by the Mediterranean Sea, and stretching into North and Central Africa's highlands, it holds both promise and peril.
Bordered by Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Algeria, and Tunisia, Libya draws inspiration from a diverse range of neighbors. With 1,800 km of coastline and a position across from Europe, it holds major economic potential.
As Africa’s fourth largest country, spanning 1.477 million square kilometers and home to 5.7 million people, Libya has the geographic and strategic depth for a strong and promising recovery.
SEVENTY YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
Introduction
Libya gained independence on December 24, 1951, as the United Kingdom of Libya under a constitutional monarchy. The constitution, approved on October 7, 1951, in Benghazi, laid the foundation for the new state. The Senussi monarchy lasted until 1969, when officers led by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi overthrew the regime, beginning a republican system and the "Jamahiriya system." Gaddafi’s four-decade rule saw economic, security, and social stability backed by a strong security apparatus.
On February 17, 2011, protests erupted in Libya, joining the broader "Arab Spring." The peaceful uprising escalated into armed conflict, ending with the fall of Gaddafi’s regime on October 23, 2011. A "Constitutional Declaration" was issued, launching efforts to build a new political system.
Since then, Libya has faced ongoing political, security, and social challenges. Despite forming the "General National Congress" in 2012 and the "House of Representatives" in 2014, governments failed to resolve the crisis.
The conflict deepened, dividing key institutions between eastern and western Libya. Two rival governments and central banks emerged, along with fragmented oversight and security agencies.
UNSMIL, created in 2011 under UN Resolution 2009, has struggled to end the crisis. Multiple envoys, conferences, and agreements have failed, due to internal divisions and external interference. The war in Ukraine has further increased international demand for Libyan energy, adding pressure to an already fragile situation.
SIX GOVERNMENTS IN TEN YEARS
Introduction
Since the 2011 overthrow of Gaddafi, Libya has shifted through six governments, with the Government of National Unity being the latest. Yet, each has failed to achieve peace and stability. While new political figures emerged, they faced the same obstacles and ultimately fell short.
Violence and political divisions have worsened since 2014, with executive power split between east and west, even after the unity government’s formation.
Armed brigades loyal to rival factions fueled the conflict, as public anger rose against a political class seen as incompetent and at war. Corruption spread across institutions, eroding public trust and weakening state integrity.
