The Spokesman for the Libyan Parliament-designated government, and Minister of Health, Othman Abdul Jalil stated that they “tried to communicate and sit with the Prime Minister of the outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, to prevent bloodshed, but he refused.”
In a statement, Abdul Jalil said: “We extend our hands to discuss, and spare the capital more bloodshed. I can confirm that we did not reject dialogue in one way or another.” He called on the GNU to “listen to the voice of reason.”
Abdul Jalil added that the government is trying to “calm the out-of-control situation,” expressing his fear that more violence would follow. He blamed the GNU for the fighting, and noted that they will communicate with the parties to prevent the situation from worsening.
Abdul Jalil affirmed that they are “ready to communicate with international and local parties in order to stop violence, begin dialogue, and are waiting for an international position to press Dbaiba to hand over power.”
Notably, the Libyan Health Ministry reported that at least 13 were killed, and 95 were wounded during clashes between rival militias that broke out early Saturday.
Mustafa Baraka, a comedian known for his social media videos, was killed after being shot in the chest.
Fighting broke out in various districts of Tripoli between groups armed with both heavy and light weapons. Libya’s two rival governments yet again vie for power in the oil-rich, but impoverished North African country.
Gunshots and explosions rang through the darkened streets of Tripoli, according to media reports.