The Libyan Parliament has officially refused to participate in any dialogue involving the Government of National Unity (GNU), which it describes as “having an expired mandate.” This announcement was made in a brief statement released on Tuesday morning.
Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN Envoy and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stated on Monday that “all parties have not rejected participation in a dialogue aimed at forming a new unity government.” This government is envisioned to oversee the transition to Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
During a session held on Wednesday, the Libyan Parliament, responding to a request from 39 MP’s, agreed to refuse the participation in any political dialogue involving the GNU. The session also emphasised the necessity of debating the Parliament’s involvement, in any dialogue within the parliamentary forum.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws, and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern, with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.