On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of the Interim Government, Abdullah Al-Thinni, met with Benghazi’s Supreme Council of Sheikhs and Elders to clarify the reasons of his government’s resignation.
Al-Thinni said that the reason for the resignation of his government is the lack of resources that prevented all legitimate demands of citizens from being met.
For their part, the notables of Benghazi city clarified the needs and demands that must be provided in terms of daily services, above all addressing the electricity crisis. They stressed on the importance of upholding the rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.
The two sides discussed the health situations in the country during the outbreak of coronavirus. The Prime Minister clarified to them how the government spent the allocated money for the pandemic.
The meeting also touched on the crisis of high prices for basic foodstuffs. Al-Thinni confirmed that the strategic reserve of food commodities is sufficient until February 2021.
The noblemen expressed their full support for the Interim Government and called on the cabinet to revoke its resignation.
The meeting concluded that periodic meetings should be held between the government and the Council of Elders. It was also agreed to coordinate a meeting between the Prime Minister and representatives of the peaceful youth movement to exchange views on the current crises.
On 14 September, the Interim Government submitted its resignation to the Parliament Speaker, Ageela Saleh, after large-scale demonstrations.
Protesters took to the streets to express their anger on the permanent power cuts, fuel shortages and the high cost of living.