Latest news with #PresidentialCouncil
Libyan Express
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
Al-Menfi commends peaceful Tripoli demonstrations
BY Libyan Express May 24, 2025 - 03:45 Al-Menfi endorses citizens' right to peaceful demonstration The Chairman of Libya's Presidential Council, Mohamed al-Menfi, has praised recent peaceful demonstrations in Tripoli, describing them as evidence of a 'civilised national scene' that demonstrates Libyans' commitment to democratic expression. In a statement, al-Menfi said he was proud of the manner in which citizens in the capital exercised their right to peaceful assembly, noting the responsible way demonstrators expressed their aspirations. He characterised the protests as marking a return to peaceful political expression following years of national instability. The Presidential Council Chairman also praised Libya's security institutions for their role in safeguarding citizens' right to peaceful protest. He stated that the council has consistently focused on hearing public opinion through various means in order to achieve positive change. Al-Menfi extended his appeal beyond Tripoli, encouraging Libyans in cities across the country to continue peaceful and respectful demonstrations. He described such civic engagement as vital to building a modern state that reflects the hopes of all citizens. The statement comes as Libya continues efforts towards political stabilisation and national unity after years of conflict and division. The Presidential Council's support for peaceful protest appears to reflect attempts to establish democratic norms within the country's institutions. The remarks suggest the government views the demonstrations as a constructive element in Libya's democratic transition rather than as opposition to state authority. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libya Review
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Dbaiba Government Lacks Legitimacy
Abdulrahim Al-Shaibani, Head of the Libyan Organisation for Governance, has declared that the foundational conditions required for the continuation of Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU) have 'completely collapsed.' In a statement to the Libyan News Agency (LANA), he cited last week's deadly armed clashes in Tripoli as a sign of worsening institutional failure and a total breakdown of public trust. Al-Shaibani described the recent events in the capital as 'extremely dangerous,' highlighting how the violence disrupted every aspect of daily life, from schools and public services to private businesses. The clashes saw the use of medium and heavy weaponry in densely populated residential areas, endangering civilians and severely impacting social and economic stability. 'These are not isolated incidents,' Al-Shaibani warned. 'They are the result of prolonged power struggles between formal authorities and armed groups operating without any genuine national or legal mandate.' He noted that some of these militias masquerade under official banners, only to collapse with the disappearance of their commanders, exposing the hollow nature of their legitimacy. Al-Shaibani argued that Libya's fragmented armed structures are a symptom of deep state failure and the inability of both the legislative and executive branches to establish stability or manage the country's resources effectively. He stressed that the GNU has failed to address key national issues, from governance and services to sovereignty, and cannot deliver a unified budget or resolve institutional divisions. 'The elements needed for this government to survive no longer exist,' he said, adding that public confidence in the GNU has evaporated, particularly due to its weak stance on critical issues such as foreign policy and national unity. Al-Shaibani also criticised other political bodies, including the House of Representatives and the Presidential Council, for their role in the ongoing deadlock, especially their failure to draft a national constitution. He noted growing public pressure, as recent protests across Libya demanded the resignation of the GNU. He warned that these protests could spiral into uncontrollable violence unless urgent reforms are initiated and called for intensified efforts to avoid further chaos. Regarding recent efforts to form a new government, Al-Shaibani acknowledged discussions within both the House of Representatives and the Presidential Council. However, he asserted that any new authority must align with the UN-led political track, particularly the outcomes of the Geneva and Skhirat agreements, to gain domestic and international legitimacy. He concluded by urging the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to immediately publish the results of the advisory committee's recent work, which reportedly includes recommendations for forming a new executive authority, and to initiate a rapid political process to ensure consensus among key institutions like the Central Bank and judiciary. Tags: Abdel-Hamid DbaibaGNUlibyatripoliunsmil
Libya Review
21-05-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Libya Aims to Resume Energy Contracts with Russian Companies
Libya is working to revive suspended oil and gas contracts with Russian energy companies, a senior official from the Presidential Council has confirmed. Speaking to the Russian state news agency TASS, the official said that Libya considers the resumption of cooperation with Russian firms in the oil and gas sector a promising economic opportunity. He added that broader collaboration—especially in rebuilding infrastructure and energy facilities—also holds strong potential. Foreign energy companies, including major Russian players, largely withdrew from Libya after 2011 due to conflict, political instability, and widespread insecurity. Several contracts were suspended during that period, and the presence of international oil firms sharply declined. Now, with the gradual stabilization of oil production and a clearer focus on economic recovery, Libya is seeking to reactivate key agreements and attract new investment. This initiative includes reopening discussions with Russian firms previously involved in exploration and development projects. In May 2024, Libya's Minister of Investment, Ali Al-Saeedi Al-Qaidi, announced during the Russia–Islamic World: Kazan Forum that Libya was prepared to sign a new deal with Russian energy giant Tatneft to build an oil refinery inside Libya. The statement was seen as a signal that high-level talks were already underway. Meanwhile, Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) recently reassured international partners that all oil and gas operations are running smoothly. In a statement, the NOC confirmed that production and exports are proceeding across all fields and ports under strict safety and operational standards. As Libya continues to position itself as a stable energy supplier in the Mediterranean region, restoring relations with Russian companies may serve as a critical step in attracting foreign capital, technology, and long-term investment, particularly in refining, transport infrastructure, and downstream operations. Tags: CooperationEnergy FirmsgaslibyaoilRussia
Libya Observer
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UK Ambassador, Al-Lafi discuss reducing escalation in Tripoli
The British Ambassador to Libya, Martin Longden, has met with the Presidential Council member Abdullah Al-Lafi to discuss efforts to ease tensions in the capital, Tripoli. In a post on X on Tuesday, the ambassador expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to discuss the current situation in Tripoli, emphasizing the importance of reducing tensions and finding a path to overcome political divisions. Longden added that 'this is a moment for responsible leadership, calm heads and constructive engagement from all sides.' News Tagged: Martin Longden Abdullah Al-Lafi
Libya Review
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
30 Libyan Municipalities Demand Dbaiba's Resignation
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the mayors of 30 municipalities from western and southern Libya have called for the immediate resignation of Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, head of the outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU). The mayors accused Dbaiba of 'jeopardising the future of Libyans for personal gain.' The statement, which marks one of the strongest coordinated moves by local officials against the GNU, also urged the Presidential Council to assume its constitutional and legal responsibilities and to take urgent measures to address the escalating crisis. The mayors warned that any delay by the Presidential Council in intervening would be interpreted by the public as complicity, making it a 'partner in the chaos and violation of national sovereignty.' Adopting an escalatory tone, the statement urged the Libyan people across the country to continue peaceful demonstrations against the current political situation. The mayors called for the restoration of state institutions and an end to the influence of what they described as 'illegitimate actors manipulating national decisions.' The statement also highlighted the deteriorating situation in Tripoli, describing recent events as a dangerous indication that the capital is 'under siege.' The mayors stressed that official silence in the face of recent developments further erodes public trust in state institutions. This development comes amid growing unrest and renewed demands from various sectors of Libyan society for a political reset and an end to transitional governance. Tags: Abdel-Hamid DbaibaGNUlibyatripoli
