Rome last week witnessed the convening of a conference devoted to Libya. It was a welcome endeavour by Western countries that stood by the Libyan uprising against dictatorship. The time could not be more opportune, given the fragile conditions in the country, where the fledgling democratic institutions are facing tremendous challenges from armed groups, with varying agendas and ideologies.
The legitimacy of Libya’s supreme elected legislative body, the General National Conference, is being called into question as some believe that its term is now over and a new body should be elected. In fact, only a few days ago, the hotel hall in which the GNC holds its meetings was stormed by angry youth who attacked some of the members and threw out furniture. Peaceful demonstrations in Tripoli and Benghazi were also organised, calling for the GNC to step down.
A committee entrusted with writing the constitution has been elected but the general public response was rather apathetic in view of deteriorating security conditions, especially in Benghazi, a Libyan city which witnessed the systematic murder of police and army officers, innocent civilians and foreign diplomats.
Furthermore, the government is struggling to keep the country on its feet as major oil ports remain blocked by armed groups, claiming to be ‘federalist’ in eastern Libya. Some oil fields ceased to function and Libya’s oil exports fell drastically.
Despite this grim picture, however, life goes on.
The streets of Tripoli are full of cheerful youth of both sexes sipping their cappuccinos in the elegant cafes of the capital. Shops display all kinds of merchandise. Some other cities, like the legendary Misurata, are prospering and peaceful, with wonderful American-style shopping malls coming into existence.
Abandoning Libya will have dire consequences for Europe and the whole region
Civil society groups, including women groups, are very active in raising the awareness of Libyans to the values of democracy, freedom of belief and pluralism. Human rights activists work hard to uphold human rights for all and were quick to condemn the ugly and heinous crimes committed against innocent people, including some Christians from Egypt.
All these manifestations show clearly that the majority of Libyans aspire to build a democracy after decades of dictatorship and autocracy. They fear, however, that their dreams may not come true in view of the influence of armed militias, tribal allegiances and extremist ideologies whose proponents want to turn Libya into a theocracy governed by narrow interpretations of sharia.
A number of Libyan intellectuals feel that if such groups, through the use of force, can have it their way, the new Libyan constitution will be far from modern and progressive. Some even call to a return to the 1951 Libyan constitution, modified in 1963, to safeguard the country from such dangerous pitfalls. Liberals view the said constitution, under which Libya was a constitutional monarchy, as a progressive instrument, whereas some ‘Islamist’ groups think it was too ‘secular’.
The extremists and outlaws are the minority. But, with the dangerous spread of weapons that fall in the wrong hands, we should not underestimate their destabilising influence. In fact, reports show that there is an alarming traffic of weapons from Libya taking place already to neighbouring African countries.
Libya’s long and porous borders further exacerbate the dangers. Illegal immigration, a nightmare for Europe and the whole region, will also escalate under such circumstances. A decline in Libyan oil and gas exports has a negative impact not only on the economy of Libya but also on European countries such as Italy and Malta. In fact, even major European countries, such as Germany, are significant net importers of Libyan oil.
This is why it is imperative that all possible means to help Libya are seriously explored. The resources are there but the political will is important. Abandoning Libya will have dire consequences for Europe and the whole region. It is definitely against Europe’s own vital interests to ignore the pleas of sincere and peace-loving Libyans for assistance.
A country that has the longest coast facing Europe on the southern Mediterranean cannot and should not be allowed to fail. It is really not in anyone’s interest to leave Libya ‘dancing on the cliff’.
The forces that once rallied to save Libya from Muammar Gaddafi’s tyranny, including Malta, have again a historical chance to face up to the noble task of providing that strong hand which will pull Libya away from the precarious cliff to safety and prosperity.
Saadun Suayeh is a former Libyan ambassador to Malta.