Trump adviser Massad Boulos, a Lebanese‑American businessman linked to the president’s family, told the FT he is drafting a U.S.-backed power‑sharing blueprint for Libya. The plan would merge the rival administrations in Tripoli and Benghazi under a single executive council, aiming to stabilize the nation that holds Africa’s largest proven oil reserves.

Boulos says the scheme would keep western prime minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh in office while placing Saddam Haftar, son of warlord Khalifa Haftar, at the head of the council. He argues a unified government would unlock investment; ConocoPhillips and Chevron have already signed 2026 agreements, and production could rise to 3 million barrels a day by 2030, reshaping Libya’s role in global supply.

Critics warn the proposal cements power for armed factions that have long abused state resources and human‑rights norms. Analysts from the International Crisis Group and Chatham House doubt the parties can overcome entrenched mistrust, especially as eastern leaders have never signaled willingness to share authority. Without a credible political settlement, oil‑sector gains may remain limited.

Italy, Libya’s top trading partner, has been briefed and expressed tentative support, yet acknowledges implementation hurdles. If Washington can deliver the promised budget alignment and military coordination demonstrated in the recent Flintlock exercise, the deal could attract further U.S. capital. Absent that, the fragmented Libyan market will likely stay volatile, limiting returns for foreign investors.