Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) for the month of July, chaired a high-level virtual meeting on the political and security situation in Libya.
The meeting, which brought together key AU member states and stakeholders, aimed to review the state of the Libyan peace process and reaffirm Africa’s role in driving a sustainable solution.
While the PSC Secretariat issued a formal communique, President Museveni used the opportunity to deliver a powerful statement containing seven critical points that underscored the urgency of the Libyan crisis and Africa’s responsibility to act decisively.
President Museveni began by commending H.E. Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo and Chair of the AU High-Level Committee on Libya, for his tireless efforts to mediate a solution.
He described President Sassou Nguesso’s work as “great and commendable,” urging all stakeholders to support his mediation framework.
Museveni stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in Libya, warning that continued fighting will not bring peace but rather deepen the country’s instability.
“Fighting will not bring any solutions,” he noted firmly.
In a clear and direct message to external actors, Museveni called for an immediate end to foreign interference in Libya’s internal affairs.
“No meddling by foreign countries,” he said, describing external involvement as one of the primary factors prolonging the crisis.
The Ugandan leader also demanded the withdrawal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, saying their presence undermines Libyan sovereignty and the prospects for peace.
Inclusive Dialogue Under African Leadership
President Museveni emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue among all Libyan stakeholders. He reaffirmed that the talks must be guided by African leadership, particularly under President Sassou Nguesso and the existing AU mediation structures.
In line with the African Union’s democratic principles, Museveni called for national elections in Libya that would involve all Libyan citizens.
“Have elections where all Libyans participate as a solution to the problem of Libya, as it has been for all other countries,” he said.
Museveni criticized the continent’s inaction. “It is a shame that Africa has allowed this criminal activity to go on,” he said. “We ought to get together and do something about Libya.”
Thursday’s meeting comes amid stalled progress in Libya’s transition process and growing concerns over renewed tensions between rival factions.
The African Union has long called for a Libyan-led solution and has expressed frustration over the marginalization of African voices in international discussions on Libya’s future.
Museveni’s remarks are expected to reignite debate within the AU on how to assert a stronger continental position in resolving the Libyan crisis, which has remained unresolved since the NATO-led intervention and collapse of the Gaddafi government in 2011.
