The commander of the Libyan National Army receives a delegation of social leaders in Benghazi and highlights the country’s cultural diversity as a source of national cohesion
Soldecanarias.net / Benghazi.
Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, received a delegation of sheikhs and representatives of Amazigh, Zintani and Western Mountain communities in Benghazi on Saturday. The meeting was also attended by the head of the Libyan Government, Osama Hamad.
The meeting focused on Libya’s territorial and social unity, as well as the role played by the country’s different communities in safeguarding national security and stability. Haftar said the meeting reflected the ties that unite Libya’s diverse social and cultural groups and defended the idea of a united Libya despite its diversity.
During the meeting, the field marshal highlighted the role of the Amazigh population in various episodes of Libya’s recent history. He also praised the sacrifices made by members of the community in the fight against terrorism and extremism, while extending his recognition to communities from other parts of the country.
Haftar paid tribute to the military personnel and civilians who have been killed or wounded during years of conflict and acknowledged the contribution of those who, according to him, have taken part in defending Libya’s security and stability.
A commitment to national unity
The commander-in-chief reiterated that preserving Libya’s unity and sovereignty remains one of the military leadership’s priorities. In this regard, he said the armed forces should maintain an equal position toward the country’s different social groups and expressed his willingness to cooperate with various national forces.
The statement comes as Libya continues to face political and territorial divisions that have persisted since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, alongside the existence of competing centers of power and armed groups.
The emphasis on national unity is particularly significant in the western and mountainous regions, where communities with distinct cultural and linguistic identities coexist, including Libya’s Amazigh population.
Amazigh leaders voice their support
The sheikhs and Amazigh representatives, for their part, expressed their appreciation for the position taken by the military leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to Libya’s unity and the cohesion of its social fabric.
The delegation also voiced its support for efforts aimed at preserving security and stability throughout the country.
The meeting concluded with a shared call to strengthen ties among Libya’s different communities and preserve the country’s territorial unity in a political environment still marked by fragmentation and the absence of a fully unified state structure.
