Libya’s parliamentary appointed prime minister proclaimed on Friday the removal of the armed group that had taken up positions at the gates of Tripoli to back him against current executive.
Libya, which has been hampered by divisions between institutions in the East and West, the country still has two rival governments which have emerged from early march 2014 to 2021, when it was in the midst of a civil war after the usurpation of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
A government established by ex-Minister of Interior Hon, Fathi Bashagha, approved by the parliament sitting in the East, is currently in direct competition with the cabinet in the country’s capital, transcending from UN-sponsored political pacts and spearheaded by Abdel Hamid Dbeiba, who refuse to give up power.
Some armed groups that are loyal to Min Fathi Bashagha converge on Thursday at the entrances to Tripoli, causing anxiety that the group may clash against the Dbeibah group.
In other to prevent further conflict between the two opposing groups in the country, the UN Secretary-General envoy for Libya, Stephanie Williams and US Ambassador Richard Norland called on Thursday night for moderation.
The armed group “preferred not to resort to arms” and “withdraw to their previous position” Bashagha’s press office announced in a statement provided on Thursday night.
According to the statement, the decision was taken to stop any bloodshed and to heed the request of our international and regional counterparts.
Norland, the US Ambassador said on Thursday that, he held a telephone conversation with Bashagaha and Dbeibah”
In his twitter hand handle, Norland wrote: “I spoke tonight with parliament’s Prime Minister-designate, Fathi Bshagha and commended him for his willingness to defuse tensions and seek to resolve current political disagreements through negotiation and not force”
He furthered “Appreciate” Mr Dbeibah’s “commitment to protecting lives” and his “willingness to enter into negotiations to find a political solution”