A3+ Group Demands Immediate Withdrawal of All Foreign Forces from Libya

New York (United Nations) – The A3+ group in the UN Security Council (Algeria, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Guyana) on Friday called for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya, while reaffirming its firm commitment to fully respecting Libya’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Speaking on behalf of the A3+ members during a Security Council session on the situation in Libya, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, stated: “Libya’s stability remains fragile due to foreign interference, and the situation continues to deteriorate with the ongoing influx of weapons and fuel smuggling.”

The Algerian diplomat emphasized that “this illicit trade is not limited to the activities of local armed groups; it also fuels the war machine in Sudan and the Sahel region, often with support from the same external actors.”

He added: “We therefore demand the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops, foreign fighters, and mercenaries from the country,” underscoring the need for “full respect for Libya’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.”

On the political front, the A3+ group welcomed the holding of municipal elections in nine eastern Libyan municipalities, noting that this demonstrates “the Libyan people’s commitment to democratic principles.”

Mr. Bendjama highlighted that “this step represents an important milestone toward achieving national consensus, paving the way for free and transparent general elections and the unification of all state institutions.”

The group also addressed the launch this week of structured dialogue under the political roadmap of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), calling for “effective and inclusive participation by all relevant stakeholders.”

It expressed hope that this process would not be obstructed or undermined, stressing the importance of placing “Libyan ownership of the political process” at the core of any credible path forward in order to end the transitional phase.

On the economic level, the A3+ welcomed the signing by Libya’s House of Representatives and High Council of State of a unified development program for 2026, urging both bodies to continue dialogue by adopting a unified national budget and strengthening oversight of public spending.

Regarding Libya’s frozen assets, the group once again voiced concern over their “ongoing erosion” due to “mismanagement by certain financial institutions,” which necessitates the full application of accountability and compensation principles.

It also called for the prompt issuance of guidance to implement paragraph 14 of Resolution 2769, which would finally allow Libyan investment authorities to reinvest in the frozen reserves.

The A3+ further renewed its appeal to UNSMIL to strengthen cooperation with the African Union and Libya’s neighboring countries.

In this context, Mr. Bendjama praised Algeria’s hosting on November 6, 2025, of a meeting of foreign ministers under the Neighboring Countries of Libya mechanism, with participation from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria.

Finally, the A3+ urged the Security Council to shoulder its historic responsibilities by confronting those who obstruct peace and stability in Libya.

Warning of the stakes involved, Mr. Bendjama concluded: “The task before us is heavy, but the cost of inaction will be far greater for the Libyan people.”