Libya’s political landscape remains divided; however, the Eastern based Government of National Stability (GNS) engagements with both regional and global players imply a concerted effort to remain relevant and in the driver’s seat in heralding a new diplomatic era based on progress and pragmatism. It appears the GNS, and the Libyan National Army (LNA) is positioning itself not through declarations or grandstanding, but through diplomacy and engagements focused on enhancing its security and its position as a government to be respected. Recent meetings with Egypt, France, Italy, and the United States represent this shift. These engagements underscore a curated approach grounded in bilateral cooperation, regional security, and operational alignment. These high-level meetings demonstrate that the GNS is increasingly seen as relevant, influential, and important. While the unification effort remains stalled, the East is gaining ground and establishing itself as a government to be taken seriously, not only regionally, but internationally.
Much of Eastern Libya’s stability and economic continuity hinges on maintaining control of its eastern border with Egypt, Sudan and Chad. Control over this tri-border secures vital oil infrastructure, maritime ports, and oversight of illegal migration and black-market trade. Consequently, these operational realities affect not only Eastern Libya but the broader region as a whole. Eastern Libya’s centralized political and military structure provides consistency and predictability in managing these critical areas, qualities welcomed by both international and regional actors. This stands in stark contrast to the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU), whose decentralized and chaotic patchwork of militias results in ineffective governance, fostering lawlessness and insufficient border controls. In a region where international stakeholders increasingly prioritize and gravitate toward stable, competent governments over formal legitimacy titles, The GNS’s ability to manage complex security challenges and coordinate with external partners is creating geostrategic value that cannot be ignored.
The recent meeting between Saddam Haftar and Egyptian Army Chief Osama Askar on June 24, reflects a longstanding mutual understanding of the shared security interests between both sides. The meeting reaffirmed their cooperation and deepened collaboration on border management and counterterrorism operations, further enhancing stability and security for both parties who’s partnership has strengthened in the last few years based on frequent high level visits. Moreover, these meetings highlight the reliability and robustness of the GNS and LNA’s security apparatus, which Cairo views as a legitimate and dependable partner in achieving long-term security. This partnership is grounded in geographical realities and shared security challenges, with the GNS proving itself as an influential actor delivering tangible results.
Europe’s engagement with the GNS is driven by operational imperatives rather than ideological alignment, though this may evolve over time. Recent talks between Saddam Haftar and the Interior and Defence minister of Italy focused on combatting illegal migration and addressing regional security challenges, portray Eastern Libya as a legitimate and reliable partner whose pragmatic approach is gaining recognition. Libya’s geography, as a critical departure point for illegal migration to European shores, underscores the importance of closer cooperation and alignment with the GNS for European partners. An invitation by the chief of staff of the French army General Pierre Schill, to Saddam Haftar to attend and participate in the 15 member Mediterranean Military Summit signals growing efforts to re-integrate the country into broader regional defence frameworks, despite ongoing internal divisions. Although formal recognition of Libya’s political unity remains elusive, Paris and Rome are adjusting their diplomacy to reflect realities on the ground. This pragmatic diplomacy acknowledges that managing migration, maritime security, and energy depends on effective enforcement. The GNS is positioned as a necessary security partner in the Mediterranean, not a fallback.
The April 28 visit of Saddam Haftar as an official envoy of the Commander-in-Chief of the LNA to the US State Department in Washington highlights the growing strategic importance the GNS holds for the US. These high-level meetings reflect a strategic calculation: acknowledging Eastern Libya as a necessary and reliable partner on critical security issues, as well as a key actor in securing maritime stability, vital trade routes, and oil export corridors crucial to US economic and energy interests. Central to these economic interests is Susah Port. a vital gateway for trade and energy exports in the central Mediterranean, where efforts are underway to facilitate US private sector involvement in modernizing its infrastructure. These discussions in Washington follow the recent docking of the US Navy’s USS Mount Whitney to Benghazi, signalling a deepening military alliance and sustained engagement. This sequence of naval presence followed by high-level diplomatic talks underscores the GNS’s emergence as an integral ally to US interests in the region. It is a significant achievement that demonstrates how the GNS’s pragmatic approach to countering regional instability is positioning it as an essential partner not just for regional actors, but also for the leading global economic and military power.
The GNS’s diplomatic engagements with Rome, Paris, Cairo, and Washington reflect its rising strategic importance on the international stage. Its leadership is proving capable of delivering practical solutions to longstanding challenges such as terrorism and migration, with security forming the backbone of these growing partnerships. These security-focused relationships are likely to deepen into broader economic cooperation, offering the potential for a more prosperous future for Eastern Libyans. In an international system driven by considerations of risk versus reliability, operational credibility often lays the groundwork for formal acceptance. Rather than pressing for immediate recognition, the GNS is steadily building the competence and credibility that may soon position it as the key force in unifying Libya and reintegrating the country into the global community.
