Germany Reopens Embassy In Libya

Posted by African Examiner African News, Featured, Latest Headlines, News, News Around Africa, North Africa Friday, September 10th, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The German Government has reopened its Embassy in Libya after it was closed in 2014 when the North African nation descended into civil war.

German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas presided over the reopening of the Embassy in Tripoli, the capital city of Libya today, during his short visit intended to show support for the country’s peace process after years of violent conflict.

“Today, with the reopening, we want to show that Germany is and remains a committed partner of Libya. We want to have a voice on the ground in the Libyan capital.

“Since last year, Libyans have managed to put an end to the violence, come together and open a new, brighter chapter in the history of their country. I hope that this Embassy, in turn, will add a new chapter to German-Libyan relations”, he said.

The minister noted that diplomacy is about states and treaties, adding that it is above all, human and that at its heart are people who meet, build trust and work towards common goals.

“That is why the re-opening of the German Embassy here in Tripoli is so important, and not only to us. It will boost contacts between our two countries:

“Our diplomats will be able to keep in touch with all of you and many other Libyans more easily. Our business communities will link up even more closely. And civil society from both our countries will connect and exchange ideas. The re-opening of this Embassy is proof of the cordial relations between Libya and Germany. It also reflects the impressive progress your country has made since last year”, he added.

He said the Government of National Unity, the ceasefire, the end of the oil blockade and the re-opening of the coastal road, are all achievements that Libyans can be proud of.

“Now we must work hard to sustain this momentum and to truly unite the country. That means we need progress on all tracks of the political process sponsored by the United Nations”, he stressed.

He further explained that the Libyan people want to make their voices heard in free, fair and inclusive elections, which are set for 24 December this year.

Meanwhile, a transitional government formed with United Nations (UN) mediation earlier this year is in place until scheduled elections in December. There are however, fears over the feasibility of the date as a result of the wrangling over the country’s new constitution over the last few months.

It would be recalled that last year, the German government hosted a conference in Berlin intended to end foreign interference in Libya and rid it of mercenaries. However, thousand of foreign fighters remain in the country “with no discernible decline in their activities”, according to a recent report by the UN.

Currently, there are up to 18,000 mercenaries estimated to be the country, according to Libya expert, Jalel Hachaoul of the Geneva-based Global Initiative against Transitional Organised Crime. e

In his response to issue of mercenaries, Maas harped on the need to ensure that such categories of persons are urgently removed from Libya in order to pave way for sustainable peace and stability.

“We must find a way to ensure that foreign fighters, forces and mercenaries leave the country without delay. Let me assure you that together with the United Nations and the international community, Germany will remain a strong backer of Libya and the political process.

“In June, we hosted the second Berlin Conference, whose conclusions were endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. And today, the re-opening of this Embassy deepens our efforts to help Libyans build a better future. The Embassy has been closed since 2014. Therefore, we cannot make it fully operational again overnight. Getting back to full capacity will take some time”, he further stated.