Libya’s factions chose interim government ahead of elections – The Wilton Bulletin
GENEVA (AP) Delegates from Libyas warring factions on Friday selected four leaders to guide the North African country through to national elections in December in a major if uncertain step toward unifying a nation with two separate governments in the east and west.
In what could become a landmark achievement to end one of the intractable conflicts left behind by the Arab Spring a decade ago, the 74 delegates chose a list of candidates in a U.N.-hosted process aimed to give balance to regional powers and various political and economic interests.
Mohammad Younes Menfi, a Libyan diplomat with a support base in the countrys east, was chosen to head the three-person Presidential Council. Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, a powerful businessman backed by western tribes, was chosen as interim prime minister.
The U.N. process, known as the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, was aimed at choosing an interim authority to oversee Libya as part of an effort to rebuild state institutions and lead to national elections planned for Dec. 24.
The three council members each represent Libyas east, west and south regions.
Menfi's list was elected in a runoff as none of four lists initially proposed secured the required 60% of votes from the delegates in the first round. The mandate came after a relatively close vote: 39 to 34, with one abstention.
Capping a U.N.-led diplomatic process that began in Berlin in January last year, forum delegates began meeting on Monday in an undisclosed location near Geneva, before reducing their selection on Friday to four, then two, and finally one list of candidates for interim prime minister and the council.
The voting took place under the mediation of the U.N. secretary-generals acting special representative for Libya, Stephanie Williams, in hopes to bring stability to an oil-rich North African country that has been largely lawless since Moammar Gadhafi was toppled and killed in 2011.
I am pleased to witness this historic moment, Williams said after the results. The decision that you have taken today will grow with the passage of time in the collective memory of the Libyan people.
Our bet was that you would be able to build a truly Libyan-owned solution, and that is what you have done," she said, addressing the delegates. The challenges are not behind you.
Under outlined steps, Dbeibah must now form a Cabinet and present its program within three weeks. Williams said the interim government must fully support a cease-fire, uphold the election date and launch a comprehensive national reconciliation process."
In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters that the Biden administration fully supports this outcome of the U.N.-facilitated process that will lead to a stable, secure Libya and elections in December 2021.
Shortly afterward, the U..S., Britain, France, Germany and Italy released a joint statement welcoming the step and urging all of Libya's factions to work together in support of it. We call on all current Libyan authorities and actors to ensure a smooth and constructive handover of all competences and duties to the new unified executive authority, the statement read.
Since 2015, Libya has been divided between two governments, one in the east and another in the west of the country, each backed by a vast array of militias. In April 2019, Khalifa Hifter, a military commander allied with the eastern government, launched an offensive to seize the capital, Tripoli. His campaign failed after 14 months of fighting and last October, the U.N. convinced both parties to sign a cease-fire agreement and embark on a political dialogue.
The list that got the highest number of votes in the previous round but ultimately lost to the Menfi-Dbeibah list included Aguila Saleh, the politically savvy speaker of Libya's eastern parliament who ran to head the council, and Fathi Bashagha, the powerful interior minister in the western government.
On his Twitter page, Bashagha conceded to the winners and hailed the U.N.-mediated electoral process as the full embodiment of democracy and wished the new government success in running the country.
Jalel Harchaoui, an expert on Libya with the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, said both lists of finalists were flawed and problematic, and expressed doubts about a possible reconciliation.
Hifter and eastern tribes do not feel they are represented. I suspect a profound disappointment in the east, he said. Such discontent could present a path to partition, he said, warning of possible east-west clashes in coming weeks.
At a news conference, Williams said Hifters representatives were in the room today, and were amongst those who agreed that they would accept the results of the vote.
Another key unknown is how the international community and in particular, as many as nine countries that have backed opposing sides in Libya will respond to the vote.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the election very good news and a breakthrough in the search for peace after nearly 10 years. Libya is moving in the right direction and it is absolutely essential to unify Libya and to move onwards on the way to peace, he said.
The internationally recognized government in Tripoli has had the backing of Turkey while Hifter has been supported by countries including Egypt, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The voting process was aired live on several Libyan television channels and streamed on the UNTV website.
Guterres welcomed the newly elected leaders pledges to form a government reflecting political pluralism, geographical representation, and its commitment to include no less than 30% of women in executive positions, as well as to ensure the participation of youth. He appealed to all key Libyan actors to accept the results, and also urged all foreign fighters and mercenaries in the country to withdraw to Tripoli and Benghazi, and then go home.
Some Tripoli residents expressed relief that the election was over, hoping the new authorities would improve their daily lives.
I hope the government will bear its responsibility and think of the crises women and children face and take care of them, said Fatima Mohamed, a school teacher.
"The Presidency Council should stand by the people who suffered from the lack of liquidity in banks, shortage of gasoline, and the lack of chances for a better life, she added.
Success in the longer term is far from certain, analysts said.
Federica Saini Fasanotti, a Libya expert at the Italian Institute of International Political Studies, hailed the moment for Libyans as important for their future but added that it was "premature to give any judgment.
The road ahead for the elections is still very long and full of holes, she said.
___
ElHennawy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Saleh Sarrar in Tripoli, Libya, contributed to this report.
Go here to read the rest:
Libya's factions chose interim government ahead of elections - The Wilton Bulletin
- What Massad Boulos trip means for a divided Libya - The Arab Weekly - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Libya picks 29 companies and eight 'investors' for 28 billion-barrel bid round - Upstream Online - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Tetteh, Mihraje emphasize the need to maintain calm in Libya - The Libya Observer - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Aldabaiba commends transparency and governance as Long Term Investment Portfolios E&Y audited accounts are presented - Libya Herald - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- India to send commandos to protect its embassy in Tripoli - Libya Herald - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Jewelry and Adornment of Libya: A Comprehensive Chronicle of Heritage and Craft - Sada Elbalad english - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Libya has announced that former NBA guard Sam Vincent - HoopsHype - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Boulos reveals upcoming signing of 2 new deals by Libyas NOC and US energy firms - The Libya Observer - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- U.S. Issues Emergency Do Not Travel Advisories For Libya, Syria, Haiti, And IraqHeres Why Ongoing Conflicts, Kidnappings, And Terrorism Have Elevated... - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Libyan prosecutors sent to Egypt for criminal justice training - The Libya Observer - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Muammar Gaddafi: The Revolutionary Who Reshaped Libya - Vocal - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- US Embassy: Allegations of transferring Gaza residents to Libya are inflammatory - The Libya Observer - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Libya is ready to work with European governments to stem the migrant flow | Letter - The Guardian - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Greece invites Libya to maritime zone talks to ease strained ties - Reuters - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Libya: INTERPOL Launch Joint Security Operation to Bolster Border Control and Tackle Organised Crime - The North Africa Post - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Libya: 'We need more than window-dressing on migration' - EUobserver - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Libyas Tika Construction Chemicals company exports another shipment of its Xtreme porcelain tile adhesive and grouting materials to Grenada - Libya... - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- EU Migration Commissioner calls for further negotiation with Libya - InfoMigrants - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Libyas first-ever 1 MW solar power plant completed ahead of schedule in Kufra by Infinity Libya - Libya Herald - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Contracts signed with Turkish company for installation of air navigation and ground communication systems at seven eastern-controlled airports - Libya... - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Libya commander Haftar seeks to force international engagement - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Libya: The case of Illizi, a Libyan territory under Algerian occupation - Sahel Intelligence - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Dairy Product Market in Libya is Projected to Reach USD 944.3 Million by 2034 | Fact.MR - openPR.com - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Pakistan, Libya vow to strengthen defence ties - Dawn - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- 216 migrants arrive from Libya; all to be deported - eKathimerini.com - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Mossad chief reportedly asked Witkoff for US help to move out Gazans, possibly to Ethiopia, Libya, Indonesia - The Times of Israel - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Libya Industry Union supports CBL initiative to complete stalled housing projects - through cheaper, locally manufactured raw materials - Libya Herald - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Statement of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor on the arrest of a suspect in the Situation in Libya - | International Criminal Court - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Top ICC fugitive linked to war crimes, prison abuses in Libya arrested in Germany - Business Insider Africa - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Israel Reportedly Seeking U.S. Help To Get Libya, Indonesia, Ethiopia To Take Palestinians From Gaza - Latin Times - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Saddam Haftar seeks closer defence ties with Pakistan - The Libya Observer - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- US Issues Strong Travel Warnings for Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Rwanda Due to Terrorism and Violence - Travel And Tour World - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- EU: Keen to continue providing technical support for success of elections in Libya - The Libya Observer - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- 700 Sudanese deported from Kufra for health and security reasons - The Libya Observer - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Pakistan and Libya to expand defense industrial collaboration after top military meeting - Arab News - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- HNEC distributes over 335,000 ballot cards ahead of municipal elections - The Libya Observer - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Libya Moves Forward with Major Railway Construction Plans - Railway Supply - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Trkiye and Libya Ink Strategic Pact to Boost Energy, Mining and Trade Cooperation - The North Africa Post - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Benghazi Chamber of Commerce participates in Libyan Egyptian Business Forum in Alexandria - Libya Herald - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Note Verbale by Libya to UN Extends Maritime Border Claims to Crete - GreekReporter.com - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- More than 100 migrants freed in Libya after being held captive by gang, officials say - Reuters - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Over 100 migrants freed from trafficking ring in Ajdabiya - The Libya Observer - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Dozens of migrants held for ransom by criminal gang in Libya released from captivity - africanews.com - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- More than 100 migrants freed in Libya after being held captive by gang, officials say - Arab News - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Athens and Rome push Brussels to take action on Libya - eKathimerini.com - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- 5 Ways Libya is Reclaiming its Spot in the Global Energy Market - Energy Capital & Power - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Libya: More than 100 released after being held captive by gang members - InfoMigrants - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- CBL orders government entities from 1 August to receive payment for services from citizens electronically - Libya Herald - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Fleeing Conflict, Sudanese Refugees Receive Lifesaving Care in Libya - International Medical Corps - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- After signing agreement in April with Georgetown University, the first emergency response training programme is launched in DC: EMSC - Libya Herald - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- ACA suspends the Executive Director, the Chairman and 6 Board members of GNMTC - Libya Herald - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Former ATIB bank Chairman Naaman Elbouri recalls his unjust kidnapping and detention calls on CBL Governor to implement law against those unjustly... - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Aguila Saleh discusses bilateral cooperation with Chinas Acting Ambassador - The Libya Observer - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Italy and Greece sound the alarm over Libya. But allies arent rushing to help. - politico.eu - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- EU mission in Libya urges all parties to deescalate amid military buildup news in Tripoli - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libyan citizen Othman Al-Zaalouk released after detention in Istanbul - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libya files first official complaint to UN against Greece over eastern Mediterranean rights - Trkiye Today - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libyas GNU signs agreement with Turkey to enhance military capabilities - The Libya Observer - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Libya: UN urges restraint as military buildup threatens renewed violence in Tripoli - UN News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece to suspend asylum applications of migrants from Libya - DW - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Trump Hits More Nations With Tariff Letters Including Libya, Iraq and the Philippines - The Wall Street Journal - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Shell and BP return to Libya in potential boost for tanker demand - Tradewinds News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- As tensions escalate, what is Libya's next course of action? | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece blocks asylum claims for migrants on island of Crete after a surge in arrivals from Libya - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Hundreds of migrants moved to Greek mainland as Crete struggles with Libya arrivals - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Exclusive: EU delegation ejected from Libya after diplomatic 'trap', source tells Euronews - MSN - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Expulsion of European delegation: A prelude to further escalation - The Libya Observer - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- BP to reopen office in Libya, Shell discusses prospects for cooperation in oil field development - Libya Herald - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Behind the scenes: Khalifa Haftar's son scuppered EU visit to eastern Libya - EUobserver - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- EU migration delegation ordered deported from eastern Libya on alleged entry violations - AP News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Libya's eastern-based government bars entry of EU migration commissioner, three ministers - Reuters - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Clarification on Trademark Renewal and Re-registration Procedures in Libya - Inventa - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Where do we go from here with Libya? - eKathimerini.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece Gets Tougher on Migrants, Will Detain Arrivals from Libya - The National Herald - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Trump Hits Libya With 30% Tariff, Urges Country To Bring More Manufacturing To The US - Stocktwits - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Greece Moves to End Asylum Claims for All Maritime Migrants From Libya - The Maritime Executive - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Now The Trump Administration Travel Affected Global Travel And It Impact on Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Venezuela, and North Korea: Know The... - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Photos show migrants intercepted near Crete arrive at the Greek port of Lavrio from Libya - WRAL.com - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]