Libyan citizens are grappling with economic challenges, from meagre salaries and banking woes to soaring prices of goods and a devalued currency against foreign counterparts.
Libyan citizens are facing economic hardships, including low wages, difficulties in accessing funds, banking liquidity shortages, rising commodity prices, and a weakened currency value against foreign currencies.
The main reason behind Libya’s economic downturn is the governmental and institutional division between its eastern and western regions. This divide was exacerbated by the refusal of Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbaiba to relinquish power after the expiration of his government’s term.
Amid these struggles, Mohamed, Dbaiba’s son, has been sharing videos on TikTok showcasing his extravagant lifestyle, including private jet rides, luxury cars worth millions of dollars, and handling of money-filled safes.
Mohamed Dbaiba also flaunts his collection of jewellery, luxury watches, and foreign travels in the videos. Additionally, he shares clips from inside government premises and during his father’s convoy.
A video circulated on social media depicts celebrations at Mohamed Dbaiba’s recent wedding in Misrata, showing lavish spending on feasts and decorations. This prompted Libyans to question the source of his wealth and accusing his father of corruption, especially as many of Dbaiba’s family members hold high government positions.
Since assuming power, Prime Minister Dbaiba has appointed several family members to prominent roles in government, embassies, companies, and government institutions.
Dbaiba appointed his nephew Salem as the Libyan ambassador to Denmark. Additionally, Ahmed Al-Karami, the husband of his cousin Ali Dbaiba’s daughter, was named as an assistant to the Prime Minister for health affairs.
Moreover, Ahmed Al-Sharkasi, his son-in-law, was appointed as a political advisor. Previously, Ibrahim Ali Dbaiba, his cousin’s son, served as a national security advisor.
Earlier this month, Libyan journalist Khalil Al-Hasi accused Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour of various transgressions, including cancelling a “red notice” against Ali Dbaiba, a relative of Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbaiba, and his brother-in-law.
Additionally, he accused Al-Sour of revoking extradition requests made by the late former Attorney General Abdel Qader Redwan against Ali Dbaiba and his son Ibrahim in the UK.
These accusations have shaken the political and social landscape of Libya, prompting a response from the Attorney General’s office. Ali Dbaiba, previously a prominent figure in Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, and his son Ibrahim have faced international legal scrutiny, with Interpol issuing a red notice against Ali for alleged embezzlement and money laundering.
