On Wednesday, residents of the Libyan city of Zawiya strongly condemned recent threats from the Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbaiba.
The government has reportedly warned of potential military action against the city, citing reasons that residents have dismissed as unfounded and baseless.
In a statement, the residents of Zawiya declared their resolve to resist any actions aimed at destabilizing their city.
They warned that such threats, if carried out, would lead to catastrophic consequences for civilians and vital infrastructure. The statement criticised the government for undermining its responsibility to protect citizens and accused Dbaiba of endangering lives under false pretenses.
Zawiya’s residents also appealed to the international community and humanitarian organizations to intervene and prevent any aggression against their city. They emphasized that targeting the stability of Zawiya threatens not just the local population but the cohesion of the entire country. The statement called for immediate efforts to protect civilians and promote stability, warning that any escalation would exacerbate Libya’s already fragile situation.
Initially appointed in 2021 under a UN-backed process to unify Libya and oversee national elections, Dbaiba has faced mounting criticism for failing to deliver on his promises, particularly the postponed elections originally scheduled for December 2021.
His administration has been plagued by allegations of corruption, favoritism, and a failure to address persistent insecurity across the country.
The people of Zawiya have also demanded the urgent organization of national elections to replace the current transitional government. They insist that only a fresh political mandate can bring stability and legitimacy back to the country. This demand resonates with a growing national consensus that sees the GNU as an impediment to progress.
The residents’ statement ends with a powerful message: they will defend their city, their lives, and their future against any actions that threaten them. Their call for elections and a new government reflects the wider will of the Libyan people, who are determined to move past years of conflict and political stalemate.
