Libyan MP, Abdel-Moneim Al-Arfi criticised the prevailing corruption in the country. He noted the recent Audit Bureau’s report did not fully expose the extent of the corruption.
In a press statement, he added that a Parliamentary session is scheduled for next week, to discuss the report. Al-Arfi highlighted that over the years, numerous Audit Bureau reports have been followed without holding responsible officials accountable, or conducting any investigations.
He emphasised that the “continuation of Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba’s Government of National Unity (GNU) means the persistence of rampant corruption, and the looting of Libyan funds without accountability.”
The refusal of Dbaiba to step down stems from a complex political and social landscape, exacerbated by longstanding conflicts and recent developments. Here are key points illustrating the challenges and refusals surrounding the GNU:
Parallel Governments:
A recent development saw Libya with two Prime Ministers, after the Parliament named a rival to replace Dbaiba, ushering a new power struggle.
Flaws in Unity Government:
The formation of the GNU in March 2021 was seen as a breakthrough, yet its flaws became apparent as political actors seemingly agreed only to compete for access to state funds within a unified government, rather than genuinely unifying the nation.
Crackdown on NGO’s:
The GNU and other authorities have reportedly been cracking down on both domestic and foreign nongovernmental organisations, according to Human Rights Watch.
Longstanding Division:
The political terrain in Libya has been tumultuous since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011, with rival authorities based in different regions, each backed by armed groups and foreign governments, making national unity a steep uphill task.
Legitimacy Issues
The GNU, installed through a UN-backed process in 2021, faced legitimacy issues as the Parliament no longer recognised its authority.
The scenario in Libya demonstrates the intricate challenges faced in the path towards national unity, with political rivalries, legitimacy concerns, and a history of division playing significant roles in the refusal and challenges faced by the GNU.