Abdulhamid Dabaiba, head of Libya's Government of National Unity, inaugurated the permanent headquarters of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) in Tripoli, on Saturday, following the completion of maintenance and renovation work.

In his speech, Dabaiba expressed Libya’s determination to restore everything it has lost in its relations with Africa over the past years, noting that the reopening of the CEN-SAD headquarters marks a revival of its role in serving African nations after “ten years of stagnation.”

He said: “Through this organization, we seek only to serve our peoples and our countries,” adding: “I believe that our presence in this building, and our maintenance and development of it, is the best proof of our sincere intentions toward it,” pledging Libya’s full support for the Community.

What is the Community of Sahel-Saharan States?

Delegations from Tunisia, Sudan, Somalia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Niger participated in the opening. The headquarters consists of seven floors, housing 59 offices, 14 cafes, and three main meeting rooms.

The Community of Sahel-Saharan States is one of the eight regional economic communities recognized by the African Union, and aims to promote economic integration and sustainable development on the continent.

The Community was founded on February 4, 1998, in the capital Tripoli, and its membership includes 25 African countries. It also holds “observer” status at the United Nations.