Libya’s Parliament Speaker Demands Transition to New Leadership Amid Tripoli Unrest
On Monday, Libya’s Parliament Speaker, Ageela Saleh, called on members of the House of Representatives to move swiftly in appointing a new Prime Minister to lead a unified national government, warning that any delay could lead to a dangerous power vacuum in the country’s western region.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Saleh stressed that Libya faces a critical juncture that requires decisive political action. “We are meeting today with a national responsibility to prevent a power vacuum in western Libya,” he said. “It is our duty to select a Prime Minister for a new national unity government from the pool of candidates, with all legal reviews of their files to be conducted by the Attorney General.”
Saleh’s remarks come amid growing instability in Tripoli following a wave of violent clashes triggered by the killing of Abdulghani al-Kikli, known as “Ghneiwa,” former commander of the now-dissolved Stability Support Apparatus. The incident led to intense fighting between Ghneiwa’s forces and the 444th Brigade, which later escalated into further clashes involving the Special Deterrence Forces, after Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba announced the dissolution of the apparatus.
Saleh directly blamed Dbaiba and his Government of National Unity for the violence, saying the Prime Minister is “personally responsible for the civilian casualties” and the broader deterioration of security. He described Dbaiba’s government as “illegitimate” and long past its legal mandate.
“Let us put aside regional calculations. We are at a defining moment where we must stand for the truth and the interests of the Libyan people,” Saleh stated. “We support our people in Tripoli in their legitimate right to reject an expired government.”
He also criticised the original formation of the Government of National Unity, calling the 2021 Geneva process “flawed and suspicious.” Saleh reiterated the House of Representatives’ position that Dbaiba’s administration is legally void and politically irrelevant.
