China warns of critical situation in Libya: A call for international action

On October 10, 2024, at a meeting of the UN Security Council , China's Deputy Permanent Representative Dai Bing sounded the alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Libya. This intervention underscores the seriousness of the situation in the country torn apart by years of civil war and political chaos. Dai Bing called on the international community to step up its efforts to stabilize Libya, including by insisting on the immediate withdrawal of foreign armed forces and mercenaries still present in the country.

A crucial political transition

Libya, a country rich in oil resources, is at a critical juncture in its history. Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has been plunged into a spiral of violence and political divisions. The international community has long tried to encourage a lasting political solution, but attempts to create a unified government have so far been hampered by rivalries between the various armed and political factions. According to Dai Bing, the peaceful reconstruction of Libya and political transition are essential to ensure the country's long-term stability.

The Chinese diplomat stressed the need for inclusive dialogue among all Libyan parties to reach a national consensus . He particularly stressed that the establishment of unified state institutions is essential to ensure lasting peace. "China calls on all parties to continue to stick to the course set for a political agreement," he said, urging political actors to strengthen dialogue and resume negotiations at an early date for a peaceful solution.

Controlling oil revenues: a vital issue

Libya has the largest oil reserves in Africa and ranks among the world's leading producers. However, oil production has been severely disrupted in recent years due to internal conflict and divisions. The country's ability to exploit and manage its energy resources is crucial to its economic survival. Dai Bing stressed that Libya must regain control of its oil revenues , a key issue for economic recovery and future stability.

After two months of production shutdown due to intensified fighting, Libya is preparing to restart its oil activities. But this restart is conditional on political and security stabilization. The international community, including China, is calling for more transparent management of oil revenues to prevent them from becoming an additional source of tension.

The withdrawal of mercenaries: an essential condition

Since the beginning of the civil war, several external forces, including mercenaries, have been involved in the Libyan conflict, contributing to the instability of the country. Dai Bing strongly called for the withdrawal of these foreign actors, which he considers a major obstacle to peace. According to him, as long as these forces remain in Libya, it will be impossible to establish a credible and inclusive political process.

Efforts to withdraw these foreign armed forces are already underway, but they remain slow and complex. The presence of these external actors undermines Libya's sovereignty and exacerbates existing divisions. The Chinese representative stressed that the future of Libya must be decided by the Libyan people themselves, without foreign interference.

A worrying humanitarian situation

In parallel with the political and security crisis, the humanitarian situation in Libya remains dire. Millions of Libyans are struggling to access basic services, including food, healthcare and clean water. The protracted conflict has destroyed much of the country’s infrastructure, leaving thousands of people in extremely precarious living conditions. Dai Bing called on the international community to step up humanitarian assistance and support reconstruction efforts.

The Chinese representative also warned of the risks of a further escalation of violence if the political situation does not improve. Without a lasting solution, the country risks falling further into chaos, with dramatic consequences not only for Libya, but also for the stability of the entire North African region.

Dai Bing’s address to the UN Security Council is a poignant reminder of the urgency of the situation in Libya. Without a swift and coordinated response from the international community, Libya could lose any chance of restoring peace and stability. The withdrawal of foreign forces, the management of oil revenues, and the establishment of unified political institutions are all essential conditions for a successful transition. As Libya attempts to rebuild its future, the support of the international community will be crucial to avoiding another humanitarian and security catastrophe.