Libyan Member of Parliament Saeed Amghib has warned that ongoing militia movements and military mobilizations in Tripoli pose a direct threat to the safety of civilians. He accused the outgoing Government of National Unity, led by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, of supporting these actions.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook account, Amghib criticized the timing of the escalations, which come during the sensitive period of Libya’s high school final examinations. He expressed concern that such instability could jeopardize the integrity of the exams, lead to delays, and cause unnecessary psychological and physical pressure on students.
“This tension could disrupt or postpone the examinations and make it difficult for students to reach their exam centers,” he stated.
Amghib called for keeping civilians and students away from irresponsible military behavior and urged all parties to prioritize public safety during this critical period.
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.