Jaballah Shibani, a prominent Libyan parliamentarian, has officially opposed Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah’s controversial decision to incorporate Tawergha into Misrata Municipality. The decision, which has sparked local protests, is seen by many as an obstacle to Libya’s fragile national reconciliation process.
In a recent press statement, Shibani criticized Dbeibah’s decision, calling it “unwise” and asserting that it would exacerbate existing tensions between the government and the local population. The decision, which was made without consulting Tawergha’s residents, has led to widespread opposition and protests.
Shibani, a member of the Libyan House of Representatives, has taken his concerns to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), requesting the UN’s intervention in halting the integration process. He warned that the lack of consultation and dialogue between the Libyan government and Tawergha’s people would only fuel further unrest.
The decision to merge Tawergha with Misrata is part of ongoing political struggles in Libya, as factions across the country jockey for power. Tawergha, a town with a complicated history, has been the subject of tension due to its past displacements during Libya’s civil war.
Shibani’s memo calls for international attention and dialogue to prevent further destabilization, emphasizing that the integration of Tawergha into Misrata without local agreement will only worsen the situation.
