Al-Mubasher: Foreign Initiatives Are Doomed to Fail Unless Imposed on Libyans by Force

The head of the Libyan elders’ national reconciliation council, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Mubasher (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The head of the Libyan elders’ national reconciliation council, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Mubasher (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Al-Mubasher: Foreign Initiatives Are Doomed to Fail Unless Imposed on Libyans by Force

The head of the Libyan elders’ national reconciliation council, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Mubasher (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The head of the Libyan elders’ national reconciliation council, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Mubasher (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The head of the Libyan elders’ national reconciliation council, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Mubasher, has called on the parties to the political conflict to make concessions for the sake of the country.

“Everyone is in the same boat, and it is necessary to search for a way to reach safety,” he said in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat.

Asked about the role of mediators in the ongoing Libyan conflict, Al-Mubasher noted that as the political dispute was handed over to the UN mission, local mediators have lost many elements of power and influence.

He explained: “The nature of the conflict in Libya is political, as we know, and therefore the crisis talks were handed over to the UN mission, and here the local reformers or social mediators lost many of the elements of power they relied on; including their influence on the armed parties. As Libyans lost confidence in themselves, only a very limited role is left for these mediators to deal with political issues.”

Regarding his assessment of the strategic vision of the reconciliation plan recently launched by the Presidential Council, Al-Mubasher said: “The strategy has been prepared by a number of academics and research centers, and is generally good, but its implementation or not depends on the powers of the Presidential Council and its ability to unify the country.”

The head of the Libyan elders’ national reconciliation council said that the plan, which was launched by the Presidential Council to resolve the political deadlock, should have been preceded by pragmatic steps, including listening to the positions of the different sides to develop a realistic and acceptable solution.

Commenting on foreign initiatives to resolve the crisis in the country, Al-Mubasher emphasized that those “do not stem from a real local Libyan conviction and will.”

He expressed his belief that all “conferences that take place abroad, and do not originate in Libya, are doomed to fail unless the solution is imposed by force through Security Council resolutions or by huge international pressure.”

The Libyan official said political efforts were not aimed at finding a solution, but rather to manage the crisis.

“There are many international and local interests that control the Libyan conflict, and in my opinion, the international decision to end this conflict has not yet been taken,” he stated.

He added: “There is agreement to manage the conflict, and there is a national will that tries to shorten the time of suffering, but the powerful tools of action remain in the grip of the international community, not in the hands of patriots, unless a very powerful revolution restores national sovereignty. They manage the conflict according to their interests.”

Al-Mubasher also stressed to need to reach national consensus before holding presidential and parliamentary elections.

“The presence of weapons is also one of the factors that can thwart any elections. Even if they are held and receive international recognition, the problem will remain. Therefore, there must be guarantees from all parties to abide by the results,” he stated.



Hemedti’s Advisor to Asharq Al-Awsat: Our Government’s Priority Is Neutralizing the Army’s Air Power

Senior Advisor to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander, Ezzedine Al-Safi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Senior Advisor to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander, Ezzedine Al-Safi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Hemedti’s Advisor to Asharq Al-Awsat: Our Government’s Priority Is Neutralizing the Army’s Air Power

Senior Advisor to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander, Ezzedine Al-Safi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Senior Advisor to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander, Ezzedine Al-Safi (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Senior Advisor to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Commander, Ezzedine Al-Safi, stated that Sudan’s upcoming “Government of Peace and Unity” aims to protect civilians from the systematic and unprecedented aerial bombardment carried out by the Sudanese army.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Safi said that the new government, expected to be formed within a month of signing the political charter and interim constitution in Nairobi, will seek mechanisms to halt these attacks, which have killed over 5,000 people in recent months.

The RSF official emphasized that the primary duty of the new government is to stop the air raids. When asked if the RSF intends to acquire advanced air defense systems, he explained that the government would comply with international protocols on weapon acquisition, ensuring that only a national army possesses such capabilities. He argued that the Sudanese army’s sole military advantage lies in its air force and that neutralizing it would force the army to negotiate peace.

Regarding international recognition, Al-Safi dismissed the legitimacy of the Port Sudan-based government, claiming that it has seized state institutions to obtain weapons. He expressed hope that regional and international governments would support the new administration’s vision for peace and endorse it as Sudan’s legitimate government.

However, he stressed that the real recognition would come from the Sudanese people, “who have suffered for over two years from war, hunger, and deprivation.” He accused the Sudanese army and allied Islamist militias of weaponizing starvation against civilians, leading to food shortages and famine in several regions.

The new government, he asserted, will restore security, provide essential services, and work with friendly nations and humanitarian organizations to rebuild war-torn areas, regardless of political recognition.

Al-Safi revealed that the new government would be announced from Khartoum, dismissing speculation that it would be formed in exile. He clarified that the ongoing political discussions in Kenya are meant to finalize the political charter, similar to Kenya’s previous mediation efforts that led to Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

He confirmed that the charter has been approved, the interim constitution is in its final stages, and the government’s emergency program has been outlined. The final steps involve appointing government officials, including ministers and governors for Sudan’s 18 states, with the formation deadline set within a month of signing the interim constitution.

On alliances, Al-Safi confirmed that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), led by Abdelaziz Al-Hilu, is in advanced discussions to join the new government. A finalized version of the political charter incorporating SPLM’s amendments has been agreed upon, and full participation is expected once their delegation arrives in Nairobi, he remarked, adding that discussions with the Sudan Liberation Movement, led by Abdelwahid Al-Nur, are ongoing, with growing prospects of his faction joining as well.

Al-Safi concluded that the new government already enjoys widespread public support, as demonstrated by mass rallies in Darfur. Following its formation, official delegations will engage regional and Western governments, as well as international organizations, to outline their plans for peace, reconstruction, and humanitarian relief, he stated.