Libya’s Prime Minister-designate, Fathi Bashagha said that the country “has become an arena for settling international disputes.” He explained that “what is happening in Ukraine has cast a shadow over Libya at the political level, and its food security.”
Bashagha said that incumbent PM, Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba does not have control over the country, “Yet the United Nations and some other international bodies continue to support him, including the British government.”
During his speech to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the British House of Commons, Bashagha added that Libya is at a crossroads. “More than a decade after the overthrow of the (Gaddafi) regime, and despite the efforts of the international community, Libya is still suffering from chaos.”
He pointed out that in February, he was elected Prime Minister during a session of the Libyan Parliament that was broadcast live. As well as recommended by members of the High Council of State (HCS), and the United Nations was informed of the voting procedures.
He stated that Dbaiba was chosen in Geneva in March 2021 in a process marred by corruption, recognized by the United Nations. As well as noting that he refused to accept the result of the Parliament’s vote to withdraw confidence from his government.
Bashagha indicated that his roadmap to recovery will work to address the problems facing Libya today, including the presence of foreign mercenaries.
He stressed that his government will work to implement investment and reconstruction opportunities, and is ready to cooperate with Britain in this regard. As well as cooperate in the energy and food sectors, while working to reduce the flow of migrants to Europe.
Bashagha affirmed that his government will “work with Libya’s allies in the face of terrorism, and most importantly, remove mercenaries and foreign forces illegally present in Libya, as demanded by the Libyan people.”