Libyan Prime Minister Osama Hammad has issued a directive prohibiting all ministers, deputy ministers, and heads of public institutions from sharing or disseminating any news related to public affairs through the official social media accounts of ministries.
Hammad emphasized the need to avoid publishing content that could influence public opinion or relate to political affairs, whether domestic or international. He instructed all government entities to coordinate with the Government’s Communication and Media Office before releasing any information that might contradict the administration’s unified media policy.
The prime minister clarified that this decision aims to prevent media missteps that could be difficult to rectify in the future. He stressed that ministry-affiliated media outlets should strictly focus on covering the daily activities of their respective ministries while ensuring continuous oversight from the Prime Minister’s Office to maintain accuracy and prevent the spread of misinformation.
This move is seen as part of broader efforts to enhance government communication discipline and prevent the dissemination of conflicting narratives that could impact national stability.
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.
