On Sunday, the Libyan Parliament-designated Prime Minister, Osama Hammad voiced deep concerns over the rising security and social unrest in western Libya.
In a statement, the Libyan Premier said that this unrest is being incited by the outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU), headed by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, who is aggressively trying to assert control over the nation and its institutions. Using violence against its own people, the outgoing government is accused of pursuing its political agenda forcibly.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Hammad called for urgent international intervention. He specifically appealed to the United Nations and the global community to intervene immediately to halt foreign meddling, and the UN Special Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily’s “blatant complicity with the outgoing government.”
The statement strongly condemned any use of force against people. It also warned of a looming security, political, and social crisis in western Libya, which “poses a significant threat to national unity, and targets the broader Libyan community.”
The eastern-based government urged the Parliament to enact measures to safeguard cities and communities in western Libya from potential attacks.
Concluding the statement, the Libyan PM called for unity among all Libyan factions. He also emphasized the necessity of “solidarity to confront any attempts to ignite a civil war that would serve foreign interests and those craving to cling to power.”
The government’s appeal underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges to prevent further deterioration of the country’s stability and unity.
Since the 2011 revolution that led to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been navigating a complex political transition. The country has faced challenges in establishing a stable and unified government amid ongoing conflicts between various factions.
The role of elections in this transition is crucial. They are seen as a key step towards democracy, offering the Libyan people a voice in the country’s future.
Efforts to conduct elections have been fraught with difficulties, including security concerns, political disagreements, and infrastructural challenges.