Libyan Government faces criticism for hosting anti-Moroccan remarks at intelligence meeting

Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, is under scrutiny for allowing an Algerian military official to make statements undermining Morocco’s territorial sovereignty during a regional intelligence conference in Tripoli.

Maj. Gen. Mahrez Jaribi, Director of Army Security in Algeria, described Morocco’s southern provinces as “the last colony in Africa” and accused the kingdom of “occupying” the Sahara while violating a ceasefire agreement with the Polisario Front. His remarks were made in the presence of Dbeibeh and military intelligence leaders from Tunisia, Sudan, Niger, and Chad.

Libyan media outlets reported that Dbeibeh held a separate meeting with Jaribi on the sidelines of the conference. Discussions allegedly centered on “countering Moroccan activities in Libya and the region.” The move follows Morocco’s hosting of a consultative meeting between Libya’s House of Representatives and High Council of State, which yielded significant political agreements. The GNU opposed the meeting, citing a lack of coordination with Tripoli, but the Libyan legislative bodies defended their independence in organizing such talks.

Diplomatic Reactions and Analysis

Libyan political analyst Idris Ahmed criticized the GNU’s stance, emphasizing Libya’s long-standing support for Morocco’s territorial integrity. “Relations between Morocco and Libya are built on mutual respect and collaboration,” Ahmed told Hespress. “Libya should focus on strengthening these ties, which serve the development aspirations of both nations.”

Ahmed also condemned the use of a regional security meeting to discuss Morocco’s territorial dispute. “This is an issue that falls under the purview of the United Nations,” he said, adding that it is counterproductive to complicate the resolution of the Sahara conflict.

Moroccan expert Barak Shadi Abdel Salam, an international crisis management specialist, described Jaribi’s comments as part of Algeria’s longstanding hostility toward Morocco. “This rhetoric aligns with Algeria’s decades-long policy of antagonism toward Morocco,” Abdel Salam told Hespress, calling the remarks “an inappropriate use of a diplomatic forum hosted in Libya.”

He also questioned Algeria’s commitment to respecting Libya’s sovereignty, saying, “Such behavior undermines Libya’s independent political decisions and raises doubts about Algeria’s intentions regarding the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region.”

Broader Implications

The controversy highlights deeper tensions in North Africa, where Libya’s fragile political environment is increasingly influenced by regional power struggles. Morocco has played a significant role in mediating Libya’s internal disputes, hosting dialogues such as the Skhirat Agreement and subsequent meetings in Bouznika.

“Morocco’s approach prioritizes stability in Libya and respects international legitimacy,” Abdel Salam said. He contrasted this with what he called “opportunistic tactics” by some regional actors to exploit Libya’s resources and reconstruction efforts.

Despite the tensions, experts argue that strong Libyan-Moroccan ties remain essential for fostering stability and development across the region.