The head of the government designated by Parliament, Fathi Bashagha, expressed his belief that “the issue of unifying the military and security establishment during the coming period is still not possible.” However, he added, “we may witness the formation of joint patrols and committees with specific objectives under the supervision of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission to enhance confidence between the two related parties.”
Bashagha was commenting, in an interview with the Russian agency “Sputnik”, on the (5 + 5) meetings that were held in Benghazi and Tripoli recently. “We always welcome any steps that would help unify institutions and end division, especially since we were the ones who broke the stalemate when we went to Benghazi in December 2021,” said Bashagha.
On Saturday, the 5+5 commission held a meeting in Benghazi, attended by military and security leaders from the western, eastern, and southern regions. According to a statement from UNSMI, the aim of the meeting was to enhance confidence among these leaders to support the political process and create an environment conducive to holding free and fair elections in 2023, and for all parties to accept the results of the elections.
The attendees “expressed their full commitment” to the conclusions of the dialogue between the 5+5 JMC and the military and security leaders in Tunis and Tripoli. They also reaffirmed “their readiness to provide all forms of support to secure all stages of the elections.” Additionally, the attendees supported the efforts of the 5+5 JMC and its Libyan liaison committees on the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters, the statement said.
5+5 JMC Leaders Meet in Benghazi to Support Free and Fair Elections