Menfi says unifying military institution is a national priority

The Head of the Presidential Council, Mohammed Menfi said that unifying Libya’s military institution is a national priority that cannot be delayed, describing it as the cornerstone of building a unified national army capable of fulfilling its constitutional duties to protect the country, safeguard its sovereignty, secure its borders, and preserve citizens’ security and the state’s stability.

Menfi made the remarks during a meeting with Acting Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Salah Al-Namroush on Monday at the Presidential Council headquarters, according to a council statement.

During the meeting, Al-Namroush briefed Menfi on the outcomes of the military meeting held in Sirte on Sunday, outlining the results and practical steps agreed upon to advance the unification of the military institution on national and professional foundations, in line with the strategic vision led by the Presidential Council.

The Sirte meeting included Al-Namroush, Khaled Haftar, members of the Joint Military Commission (5+5), members of the Joint Military Committee (3+3), several military commanders from both sides, and Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

The General Staff Headquarters in Tripoli had previously announced that the meeting resulted in an agreement to organize a joint military field exercise involving members of the Libyan army in one of the southern regions. The participants also agreed to allow the heads of the military branches to hold monthly meetings with their respective departments to strengthen coordination and improve institutional performance.

The General Staff added that participants discussed mechanisms to support military personnel, follow up on their administrative and financial entitlements, and address challenges that may hinder their performance. They also stressed that unifying the military institution remains the best option for protecting the country, safeguarding its borders, and consolidating stability.