Egypt’s reopening of its embassy in Tripoli signals regional shift on Libya

Egypt has reopened its embassy in Tripoli after 12 years, a move analysts say signals a change in Cairo’s approach to Libya’s divided political landscape. The reopening comes as regional relations shift and Libya’s rival sides pursue a roadmap towards possible elections.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty inaugurated the embassy on Saturday, the first visit to Tripoli by an Egyptian foreign minister in five years. Egypt had been seen as backing eastern commander Khalifa Haftar, but analysts say Cairo is reassessing that alignment amid closer contacts between eastern Libyan forces and Türkiye and Qatar, a recent “4+4” election roadmap, and concerns about Sudan. During Abdelatty’s visit, officials also discussed economic issues.