ABSTRACT
This report is an outline of the brief discussion on August 5, 2018, between Libyan representatives (Mr. Abdulmajid Zuwama Alothmani [ʿAbd al-Majīd Zūwāmah al-ʿUthmānī], former Minister of Agriculture and current PDG of Libyan Petrol and Gas), Mr Ahmed Shawki Mansour [Aḥmad Shawqī Manṣūr], the GM at the International Marketing Department of Libya’s National Oil Company, Tunisian humanitarian activist Ms. Rekaya el-Hafy [Rūqaīya al-Ḥāfī], and Cornelis Hulsman, Editor-in-Chief of Arab West Report, together with a group of interns from the Center for Arab-West Understanding (CAWU). This meeting followed an earlier consultation with former Libyan Ambassador Bubaker (Omar) Hamed, Ms. Rekaya el-Hafy and Cornelis Hulsman. The participants propose a peace conference to end the civil war in Libya. The Libyans would, in fact, like two conferences, one in Egypt and one in the Netherlands to involve European countries into ending the war that has already claimed too many lives. The officials responded to three main questions: clarification of different parties involved in the civil war, the issue of how these parties are to be brought to the negotiating table, and a reflection over the crisis that demands urgent intervention.
The initial draft paper was discussed with Prof. Abdallah Schleifer, Editor-in-Chief of the Muslim 500 since 2011 and Senior Fellow of the Arab West Foundation since 2012. The paper includes observations assessing the feasibility of implementing a peace-talk proposal. The underlying argument is that peace talks should be based on a strategy that incorporates all key players with both the realities on the ground and international diplomatic ties. It must be coordinated in conjunction with other efforts of peacebuilding and address grievances that extend beyond the militia and military, especially when it comes to illegal activities which give militia a dual motive: fight for a cause and for financial gain. Negotiations have a greater likelihood of success when prompted especially by the psychological and financial situation of the parties involved-whether it is war weariness, a low morale, the impression of stalemate or lack of funds to continue fighting. Although these criteria are not met, there are two changes that could be interpreted positively in the scope of peacebuilding: Libya saw economic growth in the last financial year with oil production reaching the highest since the revolution. This brings some relief for the country and the public administration, as most Libyans get salaries from the state. Secondly, the very visit of the Libyan representatives reflects the fact that peace needs to be addressed internally, rather than by an international power, which can only facilitate the process. This shows eagerness that fighting must stop. Whilst there are only weak signs that the moment is opportune, there is consensus in the humanitarian realm that something must be done.
Lorena Stancu is a journalist graduate completing a Master in International Journalism at Cardiff University, UK, who interned with the Center for Arab-West Understanding in Egypt. During her studies she interviewed Dr Neil Quilliam, Energy Expert and Senior Research Fellow in MENA region, Chatham House, London; Mr Nedal Swehli, Executive Manager of Diwan Marketing Research, public opinion research company based in Tripoli, Libya and Ms Riahnnon Smith, Managing Director Libya Analysis.
