Intel: Top general joins US diplomats in urging Libya’s reunification
AFRICOM's commander talked partnership opportunities with military officials in Tripoli last week, but Libyans must first bridge their divisions with nationwide elections.
The top commander of US forces in Africa paid a surprise visit to Tripoli last week to sit down with officials from both sides of Libya’s conflict.
Gen. Stephen Townsend accompanied US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland in meetings with interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the presidency council Mohammad Younes Menfi and army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Mohammed Haddad.
The pair also met with the country’s joint 5+5 military committee on Tuesday, marking the first time the representatives from the rival Libyan sides convened in the internationally recognized capital.
Townsend came to support Washington's message that Libyan officials stick to a timeline to hold national elections later this year, according to a statement by US Africa Command.
