On Tuesday, Libya’s Parliament-appointed Prime Minister, Osama Hammad, sharply criticised recent moves by rival Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Abdul Hamid Dbaiba to consolidate municipalities, accusing him of spreading “administrative chaos” and attempting to destabilize Libya’s fragile governance.
In a statement, Hammad rejected Dbaiba’s actions as illegitimate, labeling his administration a “usurping authority” whose mandate expired in December 2021. He condemned the Government of National Unity (GNU) for issuing decrees that violate legality and legitimacy principles.
“These decisions are fundamentally void,” Hammad declared, citing administrative law to argue that they represent “a blatant abuse of power.” He further emphasized that all directives issued by Dbaiba’s government lack legal standing, as confirmed by judicial rulings.
Hammad called on all public institutions to reject the implementation or circulation of such decrees, warning that compliance would undermine efforts to stabilize the country. He also appealed to the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) to expedite the completion of municipal elections, urging them to adhere to Libya’s established administrative and local governance structures.
The statement reflects escalating tensions between the two rival administrations vying for control over Libya. Hammad, appointed by the eastern-based House of Representatives (HoR), governs Libya’s eastern territories with the backing of the Libyan National Army (LNA). Meanwhile, Dbaiba remains in control of the capital, Tripoli, and much of western Libya, despite his mandate to lead the country to elections expiring nearly two years ago.
Local governance has become a central battleground in the power struggle. Municipal councils, which play a critical role in delivering public services, have been the target of competing reforms by both sides. Hammad accuses Dbaiba of redrawing municipal boundaries and consolidating local governments to cement his authority, describing these moves as deliberate attempts to create disorder and entrench illegitimacy.
In his statement, Hammad also called on Libya’s judiciary and oversight bodies to intervene, urging them to take “necessary legal measures” against what he termed Dbaiba’s “failed attempts” to destabilize the country. He warned that such actions threaten Libya’s fragile progress toward holding long-delayed elections and undermine efforts to restore order and governance.
