Media Statement
10 March 2020
President hosts Prime Minister Fayez Al Sarraj of Libya
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hosted Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj of the Government of National Accord of the State of Libya for deliberations on the conflict in the Maghreb state.
The meeting took place today, Tuesday, 10 March 2020, at the request of the Libyan Prime Minister. Discussions took place at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, President Ramaphosa’s official residence in Pretoria.
The Prime Minister had sought an opportunity to brief President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chair of the African Union, on political and security developments in the State of Libya.
Today’s engagement between President Ramaphosa and the leader of the internationally recognised Libyan government formed part of President Ramaphosa’s preparation for a meeting of the African Union Contact Group on Libya, which will meet in Oyo, Republic of Congo, on Thursday, 12 March 2020.
In their discussion today, the two leaders expressed the need for a political resolution to the challenges facing Libya and an end to external influence and military action.
Thursday’s Contact Group meeting, which will include the Heads of State and Government of Egypt, Chad and Algeria, will be chaired by President Dennis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo, who is Chairperson of the African Union High Level Committee on Libya.
The Contact Group meets at the level of Heads of State and Government and that of Ministers to ensure continuity.
The Group includes members of the AU High Level Committee on Libya with a view to provide political leadership and promote coordination of international efforts in the search for a solution to the Libyan crisis.
The African Union and the broader international community led by the United Nations Security Council are equally seized with the longstanding conflict affecting this Maghreb state where an embargo on oil exports is also affecting the economy and livelihoods of millions of Libyans.
President Ramaphosa has expressed his interest in engaging with all sides to the conflict in the State of Libya as part of laying the foundations for an end to hostilities and the commencement of political dialogue that will lead to the inclusive rebuilding of the Libyan economy and society.
Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707
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