Misrata Military Council Rejects US Initiative, Demands Haftar Accountability

US Envoy Massad Boulos Faces Strong Resistance from Misrata's Military Leadership Over "Power Engineering"

The Misrata Military Council has officially rejected a recent diplomatic initiative proposed by the United States, which aims to incorporate Khalifa Haftar and his sons into Libya's political process. This strategic rejection signals a deepening divide between the military authorities of Misrata and international efforts to engineer a political settlement that may bypass essential democratic prerequisites.

The announcement comes at a critical juncture, as foreign powers attempt to expedite a resolution to the long-standing deadlock. However, the council's stance suggests that such shortcuts may compromise the integrity of the national transition rather than accelerate it.

Rejection of International "Political Engineering"

In a stern public statement, the Council criticized the attempts by US envoy Massad Boulos to legitimize Khalifa Haftar within the current political dialogue. The leadership in Misrata views these efforts as a form of "power engineering," where political legitimacy is traded for military compliance, rewarding actors who have historically challenged the state's legitimacy.

The council argues that the US approach prioritizes immediate stability over sustainable democracy. By attempting to integrate the Haftar family into a governing framework, the Council believes the US is promoting a model of "managed stability" that mirrors previous failed transitional phases in Libya, where powerful individuals were granted immunity in exchange for temporary peace.

Furthermore, the leadership warns that including Haftar in the process could pave the way for a new transitional phase that bypasses national elections. They contend that this strategy would prolong the cycle of appointed governance, further eroding public trust in international mediation.

The Imperative of Legal Accountability

A central pillar of the Council's position is the non-negotiable demand that Khalifa Haftar be held legally accountable for his past actions. The Council insists that political inclusion cannot be granted at the expense of justice. Any agreement that provides a "backdoor" to power without addressing war crimes or human rights violations is fundamentally flawed.

The demand for accountability is specifically linked to the military campaigns led by the LNA and the documented human rights issues associated with those operations. For the Misrata Military Council, the rule of law is the foundation upon which any lasting peace must be constructed.

By centering the conversation on accountability, the Council reinforces the sentiment of many Libyans who believe that justice is the only real deterrent against future conflicts. They argue that granting immunity to military leaders creates a dangerous precedent, signaling that power can be seized through force and then legitimized via foreign pressure.

Fragmented National Perspectives and UN Roadmaps

The US initiative is meeting a fragmented reception across Libya. While the Misrata Council stands in firm opposition, other political actors, including members of the Presidential Council, have indicated a pragmatic willingness to support such initiatives—provided they are channeled through legitimate national institutions.

This discrepancy highlights the tension between the "roadmap" led by the UN mission and the unilateral efforts of nations like the US. While the UN emphasizes an inclusive process leading to elections, the US approach is perceived as an attempt to "fast-track" a result by dealing directly with powerful military figures.

Despite these perceptions, Massad Boulos has affirmed that the US remains committed to the UN-led roadmap. However, the Misrata Military Council remains skeptical, viewing current US activities as a contradiction to the principle of a neutral, UN-mediated transition.

Implications for Libya's Long-Term Stability

The rejection by a strategic power like Misrata underscores the fragility of the current peace process. When international initiatives are perceived as biased or as attempts to legitimize controversial figures, they risk triggering fresh domestic conflicts and alienating local stakeholders who hold actual power on the ground.

The standoff between the Misrata Military Council and the US envoy serves as a reminder that stability cannot be engineered from the outside. For Libya to move forward, the challenge lies in balancing the need for a ceasefire with the demand for democratic legitimacy and legal justice.

Ultimately, the Council asserts that the only path to durable peace is one owned by Libyans and based on a consensus of justice.

— Libya Press / Security Desk