Libya: Commitments Made on Gaddafi Overthrow Anniversary to Avoid One-man Rule

Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"
Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"
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Libya: Commitments Made on Gaddafi Overthrow Anniversary to Avoid One-man Rule

Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"
Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, attending the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day"

During the celebrations for the anniversary of Muammar Gaddafi’s overthrow, Libyan factions criticized the era of “one-man rule” and vowed not to return to it “now that Libya is free.”

On the thirteenth anniversary of “Liberation Day,” these groups committed to working toward the country’s stability without looking back.

However, some observers argue that, despite Gaddafi’s removal, Libya continues to face “individual control by politicians in their regions.”

At a celebration in Misrata organized by the “National Support Forces,” Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, head of the interim Government of National Unity, highlighted the sacrifices of the martyrs and stressed the importance of following their path toward development and restoring citizens’ rights.

He announced that his government is taking strong steps to eliminate obstacles to stability, aiming for improvements in citizens' daily lives.

Dbeibah spoke firmly, indirectly addressing the House of Representatives, stating he would not allow those who lost their legitimacy ten years ago to impose their conditions on the Libyan people.

He insisted that the next phase requires determination to confront anyone trying to disrupt the journey toward freedom and stability, promising to take decisive action to move toward elections.

Dbeibah reaffirmed his “full commitment to preventing the return of military or individual rule,” stressing the importance of enabling all Libyans to express their rights in elections and national decisions.

At a celebration attended by notable figures from various regions, he declared that the sacrifices made for freedom would not be in vain and emphasized the need for decisive action against those undermining stability and freedom.

Both Dbeibah’s government and its eastern rival, led by Osama Hamad, declared Wednesday a public holiday to mark the thirteenth anniversary of Libya's liberation from Gaddafi's regime on Oct. 23, 2011.

The House of Representatives highlighted the achievements of the Libyan people in 2011, celebrating their liberation from individual rule and the move toward a fully democratic state.

They stated that the ideal state allows citizens to choose their leaders through free and fair elections.

They also noted that the Feb.17 revolution sparked the declaration of full liberation on Oct. 23 in a grand celebration in Benghazi.

Thirteen years after this declaration, Libya is at a critical juncture that requires unity, reconciliation, and a focus on national cohesion to fulfill the revolution’s goals.



Iraq Implements 12 Measures in Response to Israeli Complaint to UN

Sudani during the emergency meeting of the National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Office)
Sudani during the emergency meeting of the National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Office)
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Iraq Implements 12 Measures in Response to Israeli Complaint to UN

Sudani during the emergency meeting of the National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Office)
Sudani during the emergency meeting of the National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Office)

The Iraqi government has responded firmly to an Israeli complaint submitted to the UN Security Council, accusing Iraqi armed factions of launching attacks on Israel and holding Baghdad responsible.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s government convened on Wednesday an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, which resulted in the announcement of 12 measures aimed at countering these accusations, strengthening internal security, and maintaining Iraq’s sovereignty.

A key directive focuses on asserting state control over military activities. Security agencies were instructed to “prevent and pursue any military actions outside the state’s authority” and enhance security along Iraq’s western borders with rapid deployment and robust planning. This aims to curb the activities of armed factions operating outside the state’s framework, particularly near the Syrian border, which is believed to be a base for groups attacking Israel.

The Israeli complaint, filed by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, accused six factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces of targeting Israel and blamed the Iraqi government for allowing such actions.

The Iraqi government strongly rejected the accusations. Major General Yahya Rasool, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, described the allegations as a pretext for a potential Israeli attack on Iraq, aimed at escalating regional tensions.

Rasool emphasized that the decision to declare war or peace rests solely with the Iraqi government and highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent Iraqi territory from being used for external attacks. These include seizing launch-ready weapons and taking legal action against those threatening Iraq’s security. Despite these assurances, factions aligned with the Resistance Axis continue to conduct attacks on Israel, with reports suggesting over 120 rocket strikes in recent months. In October, Israel reported two soldiers killed in a drone strike launched from Iraq, further escalating tensions.

Iraq’s National Security Council condemned Israel’s accusations as a “dangerous escalation” and a manipulation of international opinion to justify aggression. Iraq reaffirmed its commitment to international law and the UN Charter, condemning Israeli threats and highlighting their destabilizing impact on regional peace.

The Council outlined several measures to address the issue internationally and domestically. Key external actions include directing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to raise the matter in international forums, urging the Arab League to take a united stance against Israeli threats, and calling on the UN Security Council to review Iraq’s complaints against Israel. Additionally, Iraq requested the United States to use its influence to deter Israeli actions through ongoing security and military dialogues under the Strategic Framework Agreement.

Domestically, Al-Sudani instructed the armed forces to prevent unauthorized military actions, strengthen security along Iraq’s borders, and ensure aerial protection over critical infrastructure. Intelligence agencies were tasked with monitoring and responding to any hostile activities, while field commanders were warned they would be held accountable for security breaches.