Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the General Commander of the Armed Forces, hosted a high-level delegation of sheikhs, dignitaries, and elders representing the Western Coastal tribes at the Khalifa Haftar Military City. The attendees included Libyan Prime Minister Osama Hammad, Lieutenant General Khaled Haftar, Chief of the General Staff, and Lieutenant General Ayoub Bousif, Director of the General Commander’s office.
The General Commander initiated his address by extending a warm welcome to the delegation, asserting that they were not guests but were “in their home, among their kin and brothers,” emphasising that Libya, across all its regions, remains one home for a unified family. He pointed out that this cohesion strengthens during adversity, citing the rapid response of families from the west and south to assist their counterparts in the east, particularly Derna, following the destructive Cyclone Daniel. Haftar underscored that this mobilisation, which saw citizens risk their lives to rescue those trapped and provide relief, is a source of pride for every Libyan belonging to this great nation. He viewed the delegation’s visit as an embodiment of strong will, a commitment to social cohesion, and a readiness to confront any threats to national unity, offering profound respect for this honourable stance, which he described as characteristic of the people of the West.
Haftar then provided an analysis of the current situation. He noted that Libya is rich in resources and enormous natural wealth, yet citizens struggle under harsh economic conditions to secure the bare minimum for their families. Simultaneously, he observed a small elite living a life of extravagance and ostentation, contrasting sharply with towns and villages that lack the basic features of development and infrastructure. Furthermore, he highlighted that those in power are preoccupied with political rivalry, wasting time, alongside the prevalence of corruption in state institutions and weapons outside state control, which endangers the safety of innocent citizens.
The General Commander concluded that these indicators signal a “deep-seated dysfunction that has fundamentally corrupted the entity and institutions of the state,” rendering it incapable of performing its duties and protecting the dignity of its citizens. He argued that the prolonged, fabricated political crisis is being intentionally protracted to make it appear like an incurable fate. Haftar stressed that the Libyan people are the only “physician” qualified to remedy this crisis, being the true victims and stakeholders in change. He addressed the Libyan people directly, asserting that the solution lies solely in their hands, demanding they use their free will to make a decision that will restore order and put an end to the “paths of frivolity, recklessness, and folly,” rejecting any underestimation of their maturity and capacity for self-determination. He called upon the people to freely define the path to resolve the political crisis and issue their mandatory orders, which must be implemented without reservation or condition, assuring them that the Armed Forces will always stand by them and be at their service.
Haftar affirmed that this popular decision represents the essential starting point for building the state and transitioning from the “cycle of chaos and the spiral of illusion” to a new reality led by Libyans, guaranteeing security, stability, development, and prosperity for the nation now and in the future. He concluded by reiterating his welcome, expressing joy and confidence that the visit heralded the imminent arrival of a bright new phase, urging everyone to prepare for its swift arrival
