It is no secret that Libya is in trouble and divided in many ways. All the more surprising it is then that mayors and local councillors from all corners of Libya came together to establish a local government association a couple of years ago.

This association drafts regulations for Libya's Presidential Council, evaluated the performance of some important municipalities, and mediates in conflicts.

Neutrality with regards to national politics is a precondition for getting anything done. But it is hard to be seen as entirely neutral if national institutions are your partners or targets of your lobby efforts. In any case, many Libyan local governments agree that they should speak with one voice and concentrate on delivering services in the crisis.