Al-Menfi meets Fezzan National Political Assembly delegation in Tripoli political push

Presidential Council chief welcomes southern Libya's new political initiative as momentum builds for inclusive national dialogue

TRIPOLI — The Head of Libya's Presidential Council, Mohammed Al-Menfi, met on Monday with a delegation from the newly formed Fezzan National Political Assembly (FNPA) at the Council's headquarters in Tripoli, in a meeting that signals growing engagement between the western-based government and emerging political forces from Libya's southern region.

The meeting, held on July 13, 2026, focused on the latest political developments in the country and the FNPA's vision for contributing to a comprehensive political solution to Libya's protracted crisis, according to the Presidential Council's media office.

Al-Menfi welcomes Fezzan political initiative

At the outset of the meeting, Al-Menfi welcomed the formation of the Fezzan National Political Assembly, describing it as a constructive addition to the Libyan political landscape. He commended the Assembly's vision for a political solution rooted in national consensus and praised its efforts — both locally and internationally — to bridge divides and build momentum toward a balanced settlement.

"The Head of the Presidential Council expressed his appreciation for the Assembly's national and international endeavors to create a national consensus and reach a balanced political settlement that would end the transitional phases," the media office stated.

Fezzan delegation presents political vision document

The FNPA delegation presented Al-Menfi with the Assembly's project document, outlining a comprehensive political vision for the role of the Fezzan region in Libya's future. The document, according to the Presidential Council, addresses key priorities including political participation, equitable development, and the restoration of stability across the southern region.

The Fezzan National Political Assembly was officially launched on June 8, 2026, in Sabha, the region's largest city. It describes itself as "a civil national framework aimed at contributing to stability and enhancing fair political and developmental participation for the Fezzan region within the framework of a unified Libyan state, through national dialogue and peaceful action."

Southern Libya's strategic importance

Fezzan, Libya's vast southwestern region, has long been marginalized in national political processes despite its strategic importance. The region shares borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad, and Sudan, and is critical to Libya's security, migration flows, and energy infrastructure. Marginalization and lack of basic services have fueled local grievances, making the FNPA's emergence a potentially significant development in the push for inclusive governance.

Observers note that engaging southern political actors is essential for any lasting political solution in Libya. The FNPA's formation represents the first coordinated political initiative from Fezzan in years, drawing together tribal leaders, academics, civil society figures, and professionals under a unified political umbrella.

Broader political context

The meeting comes amid a flurry of political activity in Libya. In recent weeks, the 5+5 Joint Military Committee affirmed its support for unifying the military institution, the UN mission welcomed the outcomes of the Sirte meeting between military leaders, and international actors have intensified efforts to move the political process forward.

Al-Menfi has consistently affirmed that unifying the military institution is a national priority to consolidate security and preserve state sovereignty. Last week, he also met with the French ambassador to discuss developments in the Libyan political scene, and praised the national role played by young people in shaping Libya's future.

Path toward inclusive settlement

The FNPA's engagement with the Presidential Council marks a step toward broadening the base of political dialogue in Libya. By bringing Fezzan's voice directly to the table in Tripoli, the meeting underscored the principle that no durable political settlement can exclude Libya's southern region.

The delegation's visit also highlighted the growing recognition among Libyan actors that the path to stability requires incorporating regional perspectives into national decision-making. The FNPA has positioned itself as a bridge between local communities in the south and national institutions, advocating for greater representation and resource allocation to Fezzan.

No immediate agreements were announced following the meeting, but both sides expressed commitment to continued dialogue. The Presidential Council indicated its openness to engaging with all peaceful political initiatives that contribute to national stability, while the FNPA pledged to pursue its vision through institutional channels and national consensus-building.

— Libya Press / News Desk