Libya’s Government of National Unity Rejects Parliament’s Vote, Citing Commitment to Democratic Transition
In a move that has escalated political tensions in Libya, the country’s House of Representatives (HoR) voted on Tuesday, August 13th, to withdraw confidence from the Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. The HoR also declared an end to the Geneva Political Agreement, which established the GNU in 2021 as a step towards national elections.
The GNU, however, has firmly rejected the parliament’s decisions, asserting its legitimacy under the Libyan Political Agreement enshrined in the Constitutional Declaration. In a statement released shortly after the HoR’s announcement, the GNU emphasized its unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitutional Declaration, particularly its mandate to hold presidential and parliamentary elections. These elections are seen as crucial to ending Libya’s protracted transitional period and paving the way for lasting peace and stability.
The GNU criticized the HoR’s actions, characterizing them as repetitive and lacking seriousness. The statement highlighted the parliament’s decade-long tenure, during which it has repeatedly issued decisions that have failed to bring about tangible change for the Libyan people. The GNU contrasted this with its own focus on improving living conditions and providing essential services to citizens.
Furthermore, the GNU accused the HoR and its Speaker, Aguila Saleh, of holding sessions that lack quorum and transparency, as well as attempting to install a parallel government that holds no real authority on the ground. These actions, the GNU argues, are politically motivated and do not warrant a response beyond acknowledging them as an expression of free speech, a right guaranteed under the current political framework.
This latest development underscores the deep-seated political divisions that continue to plague Libya. The country has been grappling with instability and conflict since the 2011 uprising that ousted longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. The international community, including the United Nations, has repeatedly called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The future of Libya now hangs in the balance as the GNU and the HoR remain locked in a power struggle. The international community’s role in mediating a solution and ensuring a return to the path of democratic transition will be crucial in the coming days and weeks.
