Libya’s parliament-designate Prime Minister Osama Hammad has called for a “brave and responsible” national dialogue to form a unified government that would pave the way for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. In a televised address, Hammad urged Libyans to end the country’s long-standing political division.
Hammad also called on the UN Security Council and international community to assume their responsibilities towards Libya. However, he warned that if they fail to act, they should “leave the decision to Libyans” without external interference or guardianship.
The speech came amid public outrage over the recent violent suppression of protests in Tripoli. Hammad condemned the use of “excessive force” against demonstrators, describing the crackdown as “a collective cry” from citizens rejecting corruption and political neglect. He labelled the shooting of unarmed civilians as a criminal act.
Hammad criticised the Presidential Council’s failure to protect civilians and manage the crisis, while accusing the international community of maintaining a “deafening silence” that only deepens Libyans’ isolation and erodes trust in international justice.
He also attacked his rival in Tripoli, Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, calling his recent statements “devoid of responsibility and humanity.” Hammad accused Dbaiba of failing to acknowledge the deaths of peaceful protesters and instead blaming others, while continuing to rely on militias that he once portrayed as official state security forces.
Dbaiba responded on Saturday, calling the Abu Salim violence a “shared mistake” and expressing regret over recent clashes in Tripoli. The fighting followed his order to dismantle the Stability Support Apparatus, leading to fierce battles between powerful armed groups and the death of their leader, Abdelghani al-Kikli.
Several ministers in Dbaiba’s government resigned on Friday in solidarity with protesters and in protest at government performance.
