Fifteen years after the uprising that began against Muammar Gaddafi, the United States is intensifying efforts to unify Libya's two rival governments. The push for a "One Libya" comes amid ongoing civil strife that has plagued the North African nation since the 2011 overthrow of its long-time leader.

Libya, once one of Africa's wealthiest countries, has been fractured by conflict for over a decade. The current division sees two rival administrations vying for control: the United Nations-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) based in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dheibah, and an eastern administration in Tobruk backed by Khalifa Haftar and his self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA).

US Department of State senior advisor Massad Fares Boulos has been actively involved in discussions, alongside key Middle Eastern players including Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye. These nations are reportedly advocating for a return to a unified Libyan state, aiming to quell the persistent conflict and stabilize the country. The US, in particular, has commercial interests in Libya's significant oil fields, adding a strategic dimension to its engagement.

The current diplomatic push seeks to build on previous UN mediation efforts, which began in earnest in 2020. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has outlined a three-track strategy that includes unifying the rival administrations, holding presidential and parliamentary elections, and facilitating national dialogue meetings.

The Libyan uprising itself erupted during the Arab Spring in 2011, sparked by widespread protests against Gaddafi's more than four decades of autocratic rule. Initial demonstrations in Benghazi escalated into an armed rebellion after violent crackdowns. A UN Security Council resolution subsequently authorized an international military intervention, led by NATO, to enforce a no-fly zone and protect civilians.

Following Gaddafi's capture and death in October 2011, a significant power vacuum emerged. This led to a fragmentation of power among various groups and their allied militias, ultimately resulting in the current bifurcated governance structure. While the GNU holds official authority in the capital and western Libya, Haftar's LNA controls resource-rich eastern territories, reportedly with backing from Russia.

Haftar, who spent two decades in exile in the US and holds American citizenship, leads forces that control strategic areas like the port city of Benghazi. The GNU's international recognition by the UN and other countries underscores the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Libya's internal affairs.

Key questions remain about the feasibility of these unification efforts. The deep-seated divisions, external influences, and the complex web of militia loyalties present formidable challenges to achieving lasting peace and a truly unified Libya after years of protracted conflict.