Libyan Parliament Rejects UN-Backed Government, Deepening Political Crisis
In a move that threatens to reignite conflict in the war-torn nation, the Libyan Parliament voted on Tuesday, August 13th, to withdraw support for the UN-brokered government and appoint a rival prime minister. This decision casts a shadow over the fragile peace process and raises concerns about a return to violence in the oil-rich country.
The parliament, based in the eastern city of Tobruk, declared the Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah as illegitimate. Dbeibah, who was appointed through a UN-led process in 2021, was tasked with leading the country to elections in December of that year. However, the elections were postponed indefinitely due to disputes over election laws and the eligibility of candidates, including Dbeibah himself.
The parliament, headed by Speaker Aguila Saleh, argues that Dbeibah’s mandate expired when the elections failed to take place. They have instead appointed former Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha as the new prime minister. Bashagha enjoys the support of powerful eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar, who waged a year-long offensive on Tripoli in 2019.
This move has been met with condemnation from the international community. The United Nations has expressed concern over the developments, urging Libyan leaders to uphold the ceasefire agreement signed in 2020. The United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have also called for restraint and dialogue, emphasizing the need for a unified and stable Libya.
The political standoff has raised fears of a return to violence. Both Dbeibah and Bashagha command the loyalty of armed groups within Libya, and clashes between rival factions have already erupted in recent months. The situation is further complicated by the presence of foreign mercenaries and troops, who have been involved in the conflict for years.
The ongoing crisis in Libya has had a devastating impact on the country and its people. Years of conflict have crippled the economy, displaced hundreds of thousands, and left the country vulnerable to human rights abuses and humanitarian crises. The international community has a responsibility to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict and ensure the well-being of the Libyan people.
The future of Libya hangs in the balance. The international community must work together to prevent a return to violence and support a Libyan-led political process that prioritizes peace, stability, and the aspirations of the Libyan people.
