Washington DC- Finding a peaceful resolution to the Libyan crisis is a daunting task that requires partial mediators without hidden agendas. The Libyans need help from nations that have good relations with the two rival camps and with regional powers that are pulling the strings behind the scene.
While a solution will not be simple, biased and self-serving mediations aggravate the problem and set back international diplomatic efforts. It is time for the United Nations to choose one venue and one solid nation-mediator to save Libya. Since Algeria is fundamentally and ideologically closer to one party of this conflict, its foreign ministry should stay out of the diplomatic fray.
In the past, warring factions have cancelled crucial consultations due to the impartial nature of the mediators and settings. Algeria’s fundamental rejection of the inclusion of certain “Islamist” formations in any political resolution cast doubt about its true intentions in Libya.
Furthermore, the Algerian military’s “security solution first” policy in dealing with its own insurgency makes Algiers the wrong place for a successful mediation in Libya. The Islamists of” Libya Dawn” have made their rejection of any Algerian involvement clear, yet, we continue to hear about such pointless efforts. The stakes are high for the UN to let such “circus” continue at Europe’s doorstep. Libya is on the verge of turning into a failed state.
The Tripoli based Islamist government doesn’t trust Algerian military intelligence services, known as DRS. In fact, this dismissal by the Islamists and their allies renders Algerian efforts futile, yet Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra keeps throwing his hat in the ring by proposing meetings.
A successful mediator in Libya must have the trust of all parties and the ability to engage all factions. While only Libyans are capable of solving this crisis, the world need to empower them by creating a free, secure and fair environment where all contingents can meet and discuss ways to form a national government. Algiers is the last place where such meeting could bear fruit.
Algeria has been trying to resuscitate its past diplomatic “glory” by offering mediations in hot spots in North Africa and the Sahel. Unfortunately, Algeria’s political clout, which started to decline in the 1990s during the bloody years of the civil war, continues to wane. President Bouteflika’s incapacitation and Algeria’s obsession to counter each and every Moroccan diplomatic effort has render Algiers endeavors inane.
From Mali to the Arabian Gulf, Algerian diplomats keep track of Morocco’s King visits, letters and emissaries. The Algerian military establishment, the de-facto ruler in the country, views Moroccan diplomatic steps as maneuvers to out flank their diplomats. For Algiers, their conflict with the Kingdom over the Western Sahara is the engine, and the hurdle, of its foreign policy.
Mr. Lamamra’s approach in Libya is not different. It is about looking strong internally and outshining Morocco internationally. The Algerian press is full of stories degrading Rabats efforts in Libya while embellishing their government’s attempts to host an ever elusive meeting of the Libyan antagonists.
As Rabat continues to host successful gatherings of rival Libyan lawmakers meeting under the hospices of UN envoy to Libya Bernardino Leon, Algeria’s desperate maneuvers to discredit Morocco have stayed, and will remain, on the margins of the international community’s efforts in North Africa.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Morocco World News’ editorial policy
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