At a time when Libyan parties are pushing the peace process forwards through the three UN tracks, and in line with the outcomes of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), some senior officials continue to seek their personal interests and are attempting to spoil the peace talks.
Many observers believe that the full implementation of the LPDF outcomes will lead to the removal of key players from the political arena, or severely curbing their powers.
According to diplomatic sources, the EU and the United Nations Support Mission to Libya (UNSMIL) are threatening to impose sanctions on those attempting to obstruct the political process, fearing the unravelling of the peace talks and a return to violence.
Attempts to obstruct the work of the Government of National Unity (GNU), headed by Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba and the new Presidential Council, began when appeals were filed against the LPDF election results.
These attempts aimed to fuel the division between MPs by delaying the vote of confidence for the GNU. According to press reports, some MPs tried to bargain with Dbaiba to join the transitional government. As well as attempting to disrupt the Parliamentary session, and disagree over the location of the session.
Moreover, there was an alleged attempt to ignite an armed conflict, when the Interior Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fathi Bashagha fabricated an assassination attempt.
The GNA’s PM Fayez Al-Sarraj ordered the members of his Presidential Council to boycott Dbaiba and obstruct efforts in a way that aims to show his failure in managing the crisis.
Attempts by Ageela Saleh, the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament were clear to everyone. He has accused his deputies of obstructing the confidence granting session for the GNU, in addition to his call for Parliament to convene in Tobruk. He has previously said that Tobruk will host the parliament session if it could not be held in Sirte.
In addition, a number of stakeholders discussed the ongoing bribery allegations among LPDF members, to raise suspicions on the transparency of the election results.
Observers said that these attempts by Ageela Saleh, Al-Sarraj, and Bashagha to obstruct the LPDF outcomes are aimed at keeping their positions and consolidating power in the country.