Libyan House of Representatives member Abdelmonem Al-Arfi has voiced strong criticism of the Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, accusing it of excessive spending and widespread corruption.
In statements to Al-Raed Network, Al-Arfi said he was “not surprised” by the latest corruption scandal involving the schoolbook procurement file, noting that it is the second time such irregularities have occurred.
He revealed that with the arrest of Labour Minister Ali Al-Abed, three ministerial positions have now become vacant within Dbaiba’s administration. Al-Arfi attributed the deepening corruption crisis in Libya to what he described as the “poor performance and weakness of oversight bodies.”
The MP further stated that Dbaiba’s government has spent more than 170 billion dinars since taking office, “without any notable achievements to justify such massive expenditures.”
Concluding his remarks, Al-Arfi expressed astonishment at what he described as the “patience of both the Libyan people and the international community” toward Dbaiba’s government, despite the recurring corruption scandals.
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.