Libya Review sources claim that officials of the Government of National Accord (GNA), primarily advisors of Prime Minister Sarraj and military officials in Misrata, have attempted to bribe officials in Bani Walid to turn against the Libyan National Army (LNA) and join the GNA.
The alleged bribes consist of guarantees of municipal funding, plus added funding including personal bribes to the towns leaders. In addition, sources have also told Libya Review that the same officials would guarantee Bani Walid’s independence and that the town would not be occupied by GNA forces.
The initiative appears to be aimed at applying pressure on the LNA’s primary western stronghold of Tarhuna while ensuring the neutrality of Bani Walid.
Although Bani Walid is predominantly pro-LNA, it has refrained from fully participating in the war.