Libya's Parliament Speaker Aqila Saleh Calls for Joint Legislative Action Against Corruption and Illegal Migration

Africa-Asia Parliamentary Conference Opens in Benghazi

Libyan Parliament Speaker Aqila Saleh on Monday urged parliaments across Asia and Africa to unite in combating corruption, illegal migration, food insecurity, energy crises, and climate change. Speaking at the opening of the Second General Conference of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council in Benghazi, Saleh emphasized that no single nation can tackle these challenges alone.

"Joint parliamentary work is a necessity, not an option," Saleh told delegates from dozens of member states. He called on legislative bodies to move beyond rhetoric and enact binding frameworks that hold governments accountable for corruption and human rights violations.

Benghazi as a Symbol of Libya's Recovery

Saleh highlighted Benghazi's transformation from a war-torn city to a regional hub for diplomacy and development. He said Libya's ability to host a major international parliamentary conference reflects the stability and reconstruction progress the country has achieved in recent years.

"Benghazi has become a model for recovery and development, capable of hosting major regional and international forums," Saleh stated. He described parliamentary diplomacy as a "secret to bringing peoples closer together and supporting stability and peace."

Key Demands: Anti-Corruption Legislation and Migrant Protection

Saleh outlined a concrete legislative agenda for the conference, calling on member parliaments to:

  • Enact stricter penalties against corrupt officials and those who enable corruption
  • Pass comprehensive whistleblower protection laws for witnesses, experts, and informants
  • Establish mechanisms to trace and expose individuals and networks involved in corruption
  • Hold governments accountable when they fail to fulfill their duties or implement preventive anti-corruption measures
  • Address illegal migration through development support and job creation in source countries, not solely through security measures

He stressed that illegal migration is a multidimensional crisis encompassing humanitarian, security, and economic dimensions. "It has become a source of concern that cannot be dealt with through security solutions alone," Saleh warned, calling for comprehensive approaches that tackle root causes.

Human Development Over Raw Numbers

In a notable departure from conventional political rhetoric, Saleh challenged the conference to redefine how development is measured. "True development is not measured by numbers alone, but by its ability to improve human lives, create jobs, ensure social justice, support youth, empower women, and establish values of citizenship and participation," he said.

He placed parliaments at the center of this mission, charging them with defending human rights and dignity while meeting both material and moral needs of their populations.

Why This Matters for Libya

The conference carries significant weight for Libya's international standing. As the host and chair of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council, Libya is positioning itself as a bridge between two continents at a time when the country seeks to rebuild diplomatic relationships and attract foreign investment.

Libya remains a primary transit point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Europe, making Saleh's call for international cooperation on migration directly relevant to domestic policy. The country also faces persistent corruption challenges that have undermined public trust in state institutions since 2011.

Saleh's emphasis on legislative accountability resonates with Libyan citizens who have long demanded transparency from their government. The parliament's push for anti-corruption frameworks could signal a renewed commitment to institutional reform.

A Vision for the Future

Saleh concluded with a forward-looking vision for the Asian-African Parliamentary Council, proposing it become "an effective and influential platform" on regional and international issues. His priorities include strengthening cooperation among member parliaments, exchanging expertise on sustainable development, climate action, collective security, digital transformation, youth empowerment, and women's advancement.

"This will contribute to building a more stable and prosperous future for coming generations," Saleh said. The conference continues in Benghazi with working sessions expected to produce a joint declaration on parliamentary cooperation.

— LibyaPress / Politics Desk