Libya has summoned the US chargé d’affaires to deliver a formal protest over remarks by President Donald Trump describing Libya and several other countries as “infested with terrorism,” prompting condemnation from rival authorities in the divided North African nation.

Libya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, affiliated with the Government of National Unity, said on Sunday that it had summoned the American diplomat over what it described as offensive remarks targeting Libya and its people.

The ministry said it had handed the diplomat an official note of protest, demanding clarification and a correction of the statements.

It stressed that Libya rejected remarks that could undermine the dignity and standing of its people.

Trump made the comments during a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, on Saturday while criticizing a bill sponsored by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff concerning immigration.

“Senator Jon Ossoff personally sponsored a bill to bring hordes of immigrants from countries infested with terrorism like Libya, Yemen, Haiti, and Somalia,” Trump said, referring to language he had used during his first presidential term.

The comments drew criticism from both western and eastern Libyan authorities, which rejected the inclusion of their country in the context of US domestic political disputes.

The Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee based in Benghazi described the remarks as unacceptable, saying they contradicted principles of mutual respect and diplomatic responsibility.

The committee called on the US administration to provide an official explanation, emphasizing that Libya was a sovereign state with a long history and rich cultural heritage that should not be reduced to sweeping characterizations.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump reaffirmed the US commitment to relations with Libya, describing Libyans as “proud, resilient, and hospitable” people who deserved peace and prosperity.

“The United States remains firmly committed to strengthening our bilateral relationship, supporting the long-awaited unification of Libya and Libya’s institutions, and standing with the Libyan people as they transition toward successful national elections,” Trump wrote.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Libyans who fought the Islamic State group, describing the organization as “the common enemy of both our peoples.”

Trump cited US-Libyan cooperation against the group as a foundation for bilateral relations and said the Libyan people had endured years of terrorism and foreign interference.

Libya has remained divided between rival political and administrative authorities since the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The country continues to face challenges related to political fragmentation, security and the unification of state institutions, while international efforts to advance a political settlement and hold national elections have yet to resolve the prolonged crisis.

The dispute over Trump’s remarks comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen US-Libyan relations and support a political process aimed at unifying the country’s institutions. (ILKHA)