AU Commission Chairperson Reaffirms AU Support for Sovereign, United Libya and Libyan-Owned Political Process Addis Aba

Addis Ababa, October 1, 2026 (FMC) — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, emphasizing that the country’s institutional unification should be pursued through an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process.

Youssouf made the remarks during an official visit to Libya, where he held talks with President of the Presidential Council Mohamed Younis Al-Menfi, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Taher Al-Baour.

The discussions addressed developments in Libya, the political process, national reconciliation, peace and security, and ways to further strengthen Libya’s engagement with the African Union.

The AU Commission Chairperson reiterated the Union’s firm commitment to Libya’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and its rejection of external interference in the country’s internal affairs.

He stressed the AU’s conviction that the unification of Libyan institutions must emerge from an inclusive process led and owned by Libyans themselves.

Youssouf also welcomed positive steps towards peace and reconciliation, including the Peace and Reconciliation Charter and the Declaration of Principles, and underscored the importance of consolidating these gains towards sustainable political stability, unified national institutions and the holding of elections.

During the visit, Youssouf and Acting Minister Al-Baour officially reopened the African Union Liaison Office in Tripoli in the presence of members of the African diplomatic corps accredited to Libya.

The reopening marks a significant step in strengthening direct communication, coordination and consultation between Libya and the African Union, while reinforcing the AU’s engagement with Libya and its people.

The Liaison Office will support expanded AU–Libya cooperation and Libya’s participation in continental initiatives, including the implementation of Agenda 2063. It will also facilitate cooperation in peace and security, governance, youth and women’s empowerment, counter-terrorism and the fight against transnational organized crime.

Youssouf further visited premises allocated by the Libyan authorities for the national office of the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) in Libya, welcoming the initiative as a contribution to strengthening Libya’s role in implementing Agenda 2063 and advancing development cooperation with the African Union.

The AU Commission Chairperson welcomed Libya’s growing engagement with African affairs and its support for Agenda 2063, reaffirming the Commission’s readiness to work closely with Libya as it strengthens its contribution to Africa’s peace, integration and sustainable development agenda.

He expressed appreciation to the Libyan authorities for facilitating the reopening of the AU Liaison Office and providing premises for the AUDA-NEPAD national office, as well as to the Government and people of Tunisia for their support during the office’s temporary operation in Tunis.

Youssouf reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to stand alongside Libya, within the Union’s mandate, in efforts to advance peace, stability, unity, reconciliation and sustainable development in the country.