Jibril Ouhaida, a member of the Libyan Parliament, has voiced strong criticisms against the United Nations Envoy, Abdoulaye Bathily’s approach to facilitating political dialogue in Libya. Ouhaida expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of Bathily’s initiative.
In press statements, he argued that “discussions around postponing Bathily’s initiative are indicative of its failure.” Ouhaida believes that the “main objective of these discussions is to create confusion and deadlock among the negotiating parties. The conditions set by different parties are leading to an impasse.”
Ouhaida mentioned that the “likely outcome of Bathily’s efforts would be a return to square one, causing further complications in the political process.” He questioned Bathily’s intentions, “whether deliberate or not, in pursuing this approach.” Ouhaida emphasized that the “focus should be on implementing laws recognized by the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), rather than on unnecessary negotiations.”
Further, the MP criticized Bathily for “acknowledging these laws and then continuing to seek other solutions.” He stressed the need for forming a unified government to oversee elections, a goal Bathily should prioritize. According to Ouhaida, involving a government that seeks elections and remains within the current legal framework is essential. He insisted that Bathily “should facilitate the formation of this government and aid the commission in completing the elections.”
In conclusion, he advised Bathily to let the Libyan Parliament and the High Council of State (HCS) “handle their affairs, as they have fulfilled their roles.” He accused those opposing the laws of being obstructive. Ouhaida also dismissed the idea of a second round of dialogue as a pretext for ulterior motives, reiterating that the United Nations and the commission had accepted the existing laws as actionable.
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.