Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni embarked on a diplomatic mission to Libya on Tuesday, aiming to solidify cooperation agreements with leaders from both administrations amidst the ongoing conflict in the country.
Accompanied by a ministerial delegation, this marked Meloni’s second visit to Libya since assuming office in October 2022.
Initially meeting with Abdelhamid Dbeibah, the head of the Tripoli-based government, Meloni signed “declarations of intent” focusing on cooperation in health, education, research, youth, and sports, according to statements from Libyan officials and the Italian government.
These agreements encompass a wide range of initiatives, including the promotion of university exchange programs, research endeavors in renewable energy and ocean-based economic activities, and facilitating Libyans’ access to medical treatment in Italian hospitals, particularly for children in cases where such care is unavailable in Libya.
The signing of these agreements aligns with Meloni’s ambitious “Mattei Plan,” named after Enrico Mattei, the founder of the Italian energy company Eni, who advocated for cooperation with African nations in the 1950s to develop their natural resources.
During her visit, Meloni also met with Mohamed al-Menfi, the head of the Libyan transitional presidential council. Al-Menfi’s office emphasized the importance of Italian companies returning to participate in reconstruction projects and maintaining consultations in areas such as counterterrorism and combating illegal migration.
After discussions in Tripoli, Meloni proceeded to Benghazi to meet with military strongman Khalifa Haftar, a key figure supporting Libya’s eastern-based administration, in line with Italy’s commitment to engaging with all Libyan stakeholders across the country.
Since the overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, Libya has grappled with political instability and violence, resulting in a divide between Dbeibah’s UN-recognized government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east supported by Haftar.
This instability has fostered an environment conducive to human trafficking, with Libya serving as a major transit point for migrants attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Europe. Meloni’s recent focus on Africa, particularly on migration issues, reflects a shift in Italy’s approach towards its neighboring continent, aiming to address underlying challenges while fostering economic cooperation.
However, critics have raised concerns about the motives behind the Mattei plan, suggesting it may prioritize energy extraction over addressing root causes of migration.
