US Envoy Massad Boulos insists the initiative "is the opposite of what is being circulated" amid widespread skepticism across Libyan political circles

WASHINGTON — The United States launched a diplomatic offensive on Saturday to contain mounting Libyan criticism of its proposed initiative to resolve Libya's protracted political crisis, after leaked details about power-sharing arrangements between active factions triggered a wave of rejection across the country's political spectrum.

US Presidential Advisor Massad Boulos moved quickly to reassure Libyan stakeholders, stating in televised remarks that Washington's initiative "is the opposite of what is being circulated." His comments came within hours of widespread backlash from Libyan political figures, civil society groups, and regional actors who expressed deep reservations about the proposed framework.

Leaked Power-Sharing Details Spark Outrage

The controversy erupted after reports surfaced suggesting that the US initiative included specific arrangements for dividing political authority among Libya's competing power centers. According to sources familiar with the leaked documents, the proposed framework outlined a structured mechanism for distributing key government positions between Tripoli-based authorities and eastern Libyan factions.

The leaks drew immediate condemnation from multiple quarters. Libyan political analysts described the arrangements as an attempt to institutionalize the current status quo rather than pave the way for genuine democratic transition. At least 36 prominent Libyan civil society organizations issued a joint statement rejecting what they termed "external imposition of political formulas."

Washington's Leverage Points Under Scrutiny

According to regional analysts, Washington is basing its initiative on several key pressure points. These include joint counterterrorism operations against ISIS affiliates since 2016, the distinctive diplomatic approach of President Donald Trump that has achieved notable breakthroughs in other conflicts, and longstanding oil-sector relationships that give Washington economic leverage in Tripoli.

However, Libyan observers argue that these leverage points risk being perceived as coercive rather than constructive. A Benghazi-based political figure told LibyaPress that "partnership with the strongest power should not mean consecrating the reality of division and quotas."

Key Facts at a Glance

  • US Presidential Advisor Massad Boulos publicly defended the initiative on Saturday evening, June 27, 2026
  • At least 36 Libyan civil society organizations issued a joint rejection statement within 24 hours of the leaks
  • The initiative reportedly includes power-sharing arrangements between Tripoli and eastern Libyan factions
  • Washington's approach draws on counterterrorism cooperation dating back to 2016
  • Regional analysts warn the plan could deepen east-west divisions rather than bridge them

Libyan Voices Demand Transparency

Dr. Fatima Al-Barghathi, a Tripoli-based political science professor and former member of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, expressed the frustration felt across much of Libyan civil society. "We have been through externally sponsored agreements before. What Libyans need is a process owned by Libyans, not a blueprint drafted in Washington conference rooms," she told LibyaPress.

Her sentiment was echoed by youth activists in Misrata and Benghazi, who organized small-scale protests on Saturday evening carrying slogans reading "Libya's future is decided in Libya." The demonstrations, though modest in size, signaled a broader unease with external mediation efforts that lack transparent consultation mechanisms.

Why This Matters for Libya's Future

The American initiative arrives at a critical juncture for Libya. The country has endured over a decade of institutional division, with rival governments operating in Tripoli and the east. Previous international mediation efforts — including the UN-led Skhirat agreement of 2015 and the Geneva-based political dialogue — have produced frameworks that were either partially implemented or outright rejected by key Libyan actors.

For ordinary Libyans, the stakes extend beyond political arrangements. The ongoing crisis has contributed to economic instability, deteriorating public services, and persistent insecurity in several regions. Any initiative that fails to secure broad Libyan ownership risks deepening public disillusionment with both domestic leaders and international partners.

What Comes Next

Washington is expected to dispatch a senior diplomatic delegation to the region within the coming days to engage directly with Libyan stakeholders. Boulos indicated that the US remains committed to a "Libyan-led, Libyan-owned" process, though critics argue that the leaked framework contradicts this stated principle.

The coming 48 hours will be decisive. If Washington can demonstrate genuine flexibility and inclusive consultation, the initiative may yet gain traction. If not, it risks joining the long list of well-intentioned but ultimately unsuccessful international efforts to resolve Libya's complex political crisis.

— LibyaPress / Politics Desk

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