The 4+4 Agreement in Libya: A Repeat of 2021 or a New Breakthrough?

The 4+4 committee agreement, signed in Tripoli under UN auspices, serves as a test for Libya's ability to overcome the political divisions that have plagued the country since 2014. The agreement mandates the restructuring of the High National Elections Commission, appointing Dhuayb Ibrahim al-Hamali Atiya as chairman and Sana al-Lahyani as his deputy, while adopting 2023 and 2024 laws that allow military personnel and dual citizens to run for office. While Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and Khalifa Haftar have welcomed the deal, High Council of State head Mohamed Takala and Presidential Council head Mohamed al-Menfi have rejected it, citing limited representation. Analysts remain divided; some view it as a power-sharing arrangement between key factions, while others see it as a historic breakthrough. The UN stated that over 103 members of parliament have expressed support for the agreement and have called for an urgent session to ratify it.