Ali Karti, Foreign Minister for Sudan, flew to Libya to engage the rival governments there in a mediation process seeking to end the division that has seen Libya ruled by two governments claiming legitimacy.

Mr. Karti began his mission in the city of Tobruk, where the government has gained a measure of international recognition; the government was forced to relocate from Tripoli when the capital was captured by Islamist forces.  He met with Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni there, and then traveled to Tripoli to meet with the Prime Minister of the other government claiming legitimacy over Libya, Omar al-Hassi.

The trip is conceived as the beginning of a mediation process between the two governments led by Sudan.  Libya has been in chaos since the assassination and fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The welcome of Sudan to the country represents a change of heart for the established government in Tobruk, which had previously accused Sudan of arming the Islamists and otherwise assisting their takeover of the country.  Sudan has also held several public meetings with the new government despite their lack of recognition; most other countries have avoided any official contact with the illegitimate government in control of Tripoli.

Since the capture of Tripoli, the conflict in Libya has been in stalemate in terms of territory and influence, and the lack of international recognition for the victorious government there may also be a motivating factor in their new willingness to enter into negotiations.