Libya Parliament Begins PM Selection Process
The Libyan House of Representatives has begun reviewing files of candidates vying to lead a new government, as tensions rise following deadly clashes in Tripoli. On Sunday, Parliament Rapporteur Sabah Jumaa confirmed that the joint vetting committee, composed of members from both the House and the High Council of State, started examining the files at the Parliament headquarters in Benghazi.
Two new candidates—University of Zawiya President Essam Boukhdair and Abdelkarim Mgueig—have joined the list, bringing the total number of nominees to 13. Jumaa noted that the committee will continue assessing the candidates over the next two days in preparation for a presentation before Parliament on Tuesday.
Monday's session will focus on the latest developments in Tripoli and public demands following protests against the current government. The capital recently witnessed its worst violence in years, with fierce battles between the Stabilisation Support Apparatus and Brigade 444, leaving dozens dead and top militia leader Abdel Ghani al-Kikli killed.
Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, head of the internationally recognised Government of National Unity, reiterated on Saturday his administration's commitment to a 'Libya free of militias and corruption.' Dbeibah had earlier ordered the dismantling of armed groups, including the powerful Stabilisation Support Apparatus, which falls under the Presidential Council formed in 2021 through a UN-backed process.
In parallel, High Council of State President Khaled al-Mishri announced the beginning of formal consultations with the eastern-based parliament to agree on a 'national figure' to lead a new government. This marks another step in efforts to resolve Libya's prolonged political division and move toward national elections.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
33 minutes ago
- Libya Review
2 Dead as Armed Groups Clash in Libya's Sabratha
Armed clashes broke out in the Al-Dabbabsha district of Sabratha, western Libya, on the morning of Eid al-Adha, causing multiple casualties and heightening fears among local residents. According to local sources, the fighting involved medium and heavy weaponry exchanged between rival armed groups operating in the city. The violence has so far claimed the life of Nouri Al-Fathali. Earlier, a young man, Omar Murad Al-Dabbashi, was killed by a stray bullet amid the ongoing confrontations. The unrest has sparked widespread panic across Sabratha, with civilians trapped indoors during what is typically a time of celebration and family gatherings. In an official statement, the Sabratha Municipal Council confirmed it was in direct contact with the Security Directorate, the National Support Force, and the Counter-Threats Agency. The Council said their coordinated efforts had succeeded in brokering a temporary ceasefire and de-escalating the violence. Meanwhile, the Sabratha branch of the Libyan Red Crescent issued an urgent plea for residents to stay inside their homes and avoid conflict zones. The organization also called on all armed factions to refrain from harming civilians, warning that 'the safety of citizens is a red line.' The clashes come amid ongoing instability in western Libya, where rival militias frequently engage in turf wars despite efforts to establish national reconciliation and lasting peace. 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. Tags: Armed ClasheslibyaSabrathatripoli
Libya Review
18 hours ago
- Libya Review
UN Calls for Eid Calm as Tripoli Faces Tense Ceasefire
As Libya prepares to mark Eid al-Adha, United Nations Special Representative Hanna Serwaa Tetteh issued an urgent appeal to all parties in influence to preserve the fragile ceasefire in Tripoli and prioritize peace over conflict. Her call follows the deadly clashes that erupted in the capital on May 12 and 13 between armed factions, raising fears of renewed violence in the lead-up to the holiday. In a public statement marking Eid, Tetteh urged political and military leaders to treat the current truce not as a pause but as a shared responsibility to protect. She stressed that the use of force to resolve disputes deepens national divisions and delays any chance of long-term stability. 'This blessed occasion is a time for reflection, sacrifice, and compassion,' she said. 'It reminds us of the strength that comes from unity, and the importance of supporting each other through difficult times.' Tetteh emphasized that sustainable peace in Libya can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and peaceful negotiation, not through armed confrontation. While the statement did not name any groups directly, it was clearly aimed at both state-aligned and non-state actors who continue to contest influence in Tripoli and other parts of the country. The United Nations and international partners have warned that any escalation in the capital could derail efforts to reach a political agreement and hold long-delayed presidential and parliamentary elections. Tetteh's message comes amid renewed diplomatic activity by the UN mission in Libya, including consultations with local communities and political stakeholders to explore options for reviving a unified roadmap toward elections. Tags: ceasefirelibyatripoliUN Envoy
Libya Review
18 hours ago
- Libya Review
Gaza Aid Ship Rescues Migrants Fleeing Libya
A humanitarian vessel sailing to Gaza rescued four migrants in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday after they jumped into the water to avoid being taken by Libyan authorities. The incident took place as the Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was on a mission to deliver aid to Gaza and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave. The vessel was alerted by the EU border agency Frontex to a migrant boat in distress. Upon arrival, the crew found 30 to 40 people aboard a dangerously deflating rubber boat. As the Madleen prepared to assist, a Libyan coast guard ship approached at high speed. Fearing forced return to Libya, four migrants leapt into the sea and began swimming toward the Madleen, which successfully pulled them to safety. The rest of the passengers were intercepted and returned to Libya—a country where returned migrants frequently face detention, abuse, and human rights violations, according to numerous international organizations. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned the return of the migrants, calling for urgent European intervention to provide protection and safe passage. They appealed to Italy, Malta, and Greece to allow the Madleen to dock and grant the rescued individuals asylum. The ship had departed Sicily earlier in the week carrying humanitarian supplies and 12 activists, including climate advocate Greta Thunberg, actor Liam Cunningham, and French MEP Rima Hassan. Hassan, of Palestinian origin, has been barred from entering Israel due to her criticism of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The Madleen aims to challenge the naval blockade on Gaza and raise awareness of what aid groups have called an unfolding famine. The World Food Programme recently warned that one in five Palestinians is on the brink of starvation. This maritime rescue brings renewed focus to the plight of migrants departing from Libya. The country remains one of the most dangerous starting points for migrants attempting to reach Europe. Human rights monitors have consistently reported that those returned to Libya are often held in overcrowded detention centers, subjected to exploitation, or fall under the control of armed groups. Last month, another ship belonging to the Freedom Flotilla was attacked by drones while sailing in international waters near Malta, damaging the vessel and forcing the mission to halt. The group blamed Israel for the strike. The recent incident has again sparked outrage from rights groups and humanitarian organizations, who warn that returning migrants to Libya violates international conventions, particularly when they are at risk of torture or arbitrary detention.
