President Donald Trump has sent a congratulatory message to Libyan Presidential Council President Mohamed al-Menfi on the occasion of Libya’s Independence Day. The message highlights the importance of national unity and the cessation of violence in the country.
According to a statement released by the Libyan Presidential Council, President Trump conveyed his best wishes to the Libyan people as they celebrate their national day on December 24th. He expressed the United States’ desire to see a strong, stable, and prosperous Libya.
President Trump emphasized the critical role of Libyan leaders from across the country in working together to bridge divides, end the ongoing violence, and support an inclusive political process that serves the best interests of all Libyans. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering cooperation with American companies to create genuine economic opportunities that will benefit both the American and Libyan people.
The President welcomed recent steps taken by Libyan leaders towards unity and improved economic governance, viewing these efforts as a positive path towards building a better future for Libya. He stressed the need for continued progress in these areas.
Libya continues to grapple with a period of instability, marked by the presence of two competing administrations. One is the internationally recognized Government of National Unity, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and based in Tripoli, which controls western Libya. The other is the government appointed by the House of Representatives in early 2022, headed by Osama Hamad and based in Benghazi, which controls eastern Libya and much of the south. Efforts to reconcile these factions remain ongoing.
Libya gained its independence from Italy on December 24, 1951, under the rule of King Idris al-Senussi. The monarchy was later overthrown in a coup led by Muammar Gaddafi in 1969.
