Dbeibah Warns of International Conflicts in Libya
Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, the head of Libya's Government of National Unity, expressed grave concerns over the potential for Libya to become a battleground for international conflicts. His remarks, made during the Government Communication Forum in Tripoli, were prompted by reports of Russian military equipment being transferred from Syria to Libya. Dbeibah emphasized his government's firm stance against any foreign military presence without clear agreements, stating, "No patriotic person can accept a foreign country imposing its hegemony on Libya. We completely reject our country becoming an international battlefield."
The warnings come amid claims that Russian arms, including air defense systems, are being moved from Russian bases in Syria to eastern Libya. This development raises alarms about the potential for Libya to become a new front in the ongoing Russian-Western rivalry, especially following the decline of Russian influence in Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, a key ally of Moscow.
Political Crisis and Elections in Libya
In addition to the international concerns, Dbeibah addressed the internal political crisis in Libya. He criticized members of the House of Representatives for prioritizing their power over constitutional processes, suggesting that they have sidelined the constitution when it no longer served their interests. Dbeibah called for the urgent need to finalize electoral laws to facilitate the long-postponed presidential and parliamentary elections, asserting that the electoral disputes stem from political parties rather than the Libyan populace.
He highlighted the importance of international cooperation to support development projects in Libya, noting that while reconstruction efforts in western Libya are progressing, those in the east are hindered by a lack of oversight. Dbeibah concluded by expressing optimism that Libya could overcome its current crisis through a comprehensive agreement among political factions, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to achieve stability and conduct the long-awaited elections.
The Role of Foreign Influence in Libya's Future
The situation in Libya is further complicated by the involvement of foreign powers, particularly Russia, which has historically supported eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has echoed concerns regarding the presence of Russian naval assets in the Mediterranean, describing them as a persistent worry, especially given their proximity to Europe. The potential for Libya to serve as a new arena for geopolitical competition underscores the need for a unified approach to both internal governance and external relations as the country navigates its complex political landscape.
