Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria push for Libya political solution amid security challenges

CAIRO – 21 May 2026: The foreign ministers of Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia met in Cairo on Thursday, expressing concern over security challenges in Libya and calling for a comprehensive political settlement to the crisis.

The meeting was held within the framework of the tripartite mechanism of Libya’s neighboring countries, discussing efforts to advance a comprehensive political solution in the country.

In a joint statement, the three countries reaffirmed that a comprehensive political settlement remains the only path toward ending the Libyan crisis.

They called for advancing the political process under the auspices of the United Nations in a way that would help end institutional division, unify Libyan state institutions, and create appropriate conditions for holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections.

The ministers stressed the principle of Libyan ownership and leadership of the political process.

They emphasized that any solution must be Libyan-led and stem from the will and consensus of all components of the Libyan people without exclusion, in a manner that preserves Libya’s unity and sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the ministers expressed concern over the security challenges facing Libya, including incidents of violence and political assassinations, according to the statement.

They renewed calls on all Libyan parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritize the higher national interest in order to safeguard the security of the Libyan people and preserve state institutions and resources.

The ministers underlined the importance of supporting efforts aimed at maintaining the ceasefire and strengthening security stability across the country.

They said achieving the desired political settlement requires adopting a comprehensive approach that links political, economic and social tracks, enabling Libya to achieve security, stability, development and prosperity.

The ministers also reiterated their rejection of all forms of foreign interference in Libyan affairs, describing such interference as a major factor fueling tensions and prolonging the crisis.

They renewed support for the Joint Military Commission (5+5) to consolidate the ceasefire and work toward the withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libyan territory within a specified timeframe, paving the way for the unification of Libya’s military and security institutions.