Fathi Bashagha, the dismissed Prime Minister of Libya, has made a poignant statement about the current state of the nation, describing it as “the worst since its establishment.” In his address today, Bashagha called on all countries involved in the 2011 events to, “take legal and moral responsibility for the situation Libya has descended into.”
Bashagha stated that the country is “facing threats from numerous directions, urging politicians and citizens to unite for a common cause before it’s too late.” He lamented that he has “never witnessed such a deplorable state, with the nation violated, rampant corruption, and its institutions disintegrating.”
Speaking of his tenure in the Libyan government, Bashagha expressed pride in his bold and courageous initiative to reconcile with officials in the Eastern region of Libya. He noted that if given the chance, he would undertake this endeavour again.
Bashagha also commented on the role of the United Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), criticising its “inability to match the capabilities of armed groups in the country, some of which have resources surpassing those of certain nations.”
In February 2022, the Libyan Parliament elected the former Interior Minister to replace Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba.
Dbaiba failed in his key task of organising elections in December 2021, at which point the Parliament ruled that his mandate had run out. The Tripoli-based Prime Minister refused to hand over power before elections, preparing a showdown with Bashagha.
Dbaiba has previously confirmed that he will “remain in office until all Libyan parties agree on electoral laws that are internationally welcomed, and start announcing specific dates for the elections.”
In May 2022, Bashagha attempted to enter Tripoli, and take office. This sparked heavy clashes between rival armed groups in the city.
Libyan political experts said at the time that Bashagha’s attempt was “badly planned and ended in a resounding political failure, inflicting a severe blow on him, and his national and international allies.”
Bashagha’s failure to take over the capital was linked to Turkey’s rejection of his government. The 444th Brigade formed under Turkish supervision and training, played a key role in ending the clashes, and providing safe passage for Bashagha to retreat before it deployed across the capital.
Dbaiba came to power following a landmark 2020 ceasefire that ended a year-long battle when the General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar tried, unsuccessfully, to seize the capital.
In May 2023, Libya’s eastern-based Parliament voted to suspend its designated Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha. It appointed his Finance Minister, Osama Hamada to his role.