Libya must embrace Decentralisation to secure a stable future, says Mr. Moin Kikhia

Following Moin Kikhia’s attendance at the National Council on U.S. - Libya Relations’ 7th Annual Conference, Jordan Daily reported on his speech, in which he called on Libya to abandon outdated political solutions and embrace a new framework for governance based on decentralisation.

Jordan Daily, Nedal Zubeidi

6th April 2025

Speaking at the 7th Annual Conference of the National Council on U.S.-Libya Relations in Washington, Kikhia emphasised that only bold, contemporary thinking could resolve the country’s ongoing political and security crises.

Kikhia dismissed two commonly proposed solutions to Libya’s challenges- the 1951 Constitution and the 13-State Solution-as no longer relevant. The 1951 Constitution, which was designed for a monarchy that was abolished in 1969, does not reflect Libya’s current political landscape. Reinstating the constitution, Kikhia argued, would be a step backward, deepening political divisions and creating further deadlock. He said, “Let’s be clear: the 1951 Constitution is obsolete. It was written in a different era, under historical conditions that no longer exist.”

Similarly, the 13-State Solution, which proposes devolved power based on Libya’s historical electoral districts, fails to address the fragmented state of the country. Kikhia pointed out that militia groups dominate the west and south, while the east is controlled by the military, leaving the country’s governance deeply fractured. “These states lack the military power and institutional authority to maintain control or enforce any form of rule,” he remarked. “Without effective coordination, these forces would remain fragmented and disjointed, fuelling instability and fanning the flames of chaos.”

“The time for outdated ideas has passed. The time for real, decisive action is now,” Kikhia said.

Kikhia advocated for a decentralised system, acknowledging that Libya is a divided country with two main centers of power - one political and one military. He suggested that Libya formalise decentralisation by establishing two self-governing regions, each with its own government, parliament, and security forces. Such a structure, he argued, would enable local control while maintaining national unity.

Under this new system, Kikhia emphasised, several key national institutions should remain centralized to ensure economic stability and national cohesion. These include the Central Bank of Libya, which would oversee the country’s financial stability, and the National Oil Corporation, which would manage the country’s vast oil resources. “The Central Bank of Libya must continue to oversee economic stability and ensure fair revenue distribution, while the National Oil Corporation must manage Libya’s oil and gas resources under a unified structure,” Kikhia noted.

Kikhia also highlighted Libya’s growing migration crisis, with an estimated three to four million migrants currently in the country. This, he warned, is a ticking time bomb that must be addressed as part of any future governance framework. “The strain on Libya’s resources and security has become unsustainable. If left unaddressed, this will lead to unprecedented levels of illegal immigration flooding into Europe,” he cautioned.

Security, too, remains a significant challenge. Kikhia stressed the need to integrate the country’s militias into formal security structures to curb violence and enhance stability. He suggested that each region should manage its own security, while a national defense system would help secure Libya’s borders. “To break this cycle, these militias must be integrated into formal security structures, ensuring greater control and coordination,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of economic and administrative autonomy at the regional level. Each region should be responsible for its own taxes, infrastructure, and economic policies, with a transparent revenue-sharing system ensuring fair distribution of national wealth. “A fair and transparent revenue-sharing system must be established to ensure that all Libyans benefit from the country’s national wealth,” Kikhia explained.

Kikhia called for international support to help Libya establish a well-structured system that balances local governance with national unity. He urged global partners to assist in rebuilding Libya’s economy, strengthening security, and reducing foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs. “Libya needs regional and global recognition for a structured system that works for all,” Kikhia emphasised.

“The time for outdated ideas has passed,” Kikhia concluded. “Now is the time for real, decisive action. Libya must embrace a new system that works for all its people, a system that will lead to stability, prosperity, and peace.”

The Libyan politician called for a national dialogue to begin the process of reform and transition, emphasising that gradual reforms would be necessary to avoid disruption. Once fully implemented, the decentralisation framework would ensure a more efficient and responsive government, Kikhia argued, creating a stable future for all Libyans.