The Head of the US-Libya Relations Advisory Council, Wolfgang Pusztai, has stated that the legitimacy of Libya’s outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, remains limited, asserting that its control extends only to the northwest of Tripoli.
In press remarks, Pusztai noted that the Dbaiba-led government lacks the ability to enforce the rule of law independently and instead relies on the backing of armed militias to stay in power.
He pointed out that the majority of Libyan territory falls under the control of the Libyan National Army (LNA), commanded by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, and the Libyan Government-designate headed by Prime Minister Osama Hammad.
Pusztai stressed that resolving the key points of contention within the electoral laws is a prerequisite for setting clear election dates and procedures.
He further highlighted that the advisory committee, during its discussions, emphasised the need to form a new government, with strong support from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Pusztai concluded by saying that one of the most effective contributions the European Union could offer Libya at this stage is to support the development of a robust civil society, particularly through grassroots initiatives.
