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Libya’s GNA Factions Clash Amid Increasing 'Popular Discontent'

Libyans protest at Martyrs' Square in Tripoli, Libya (File photo: Reuters)
Libyans protest at Martyrs' Square in Tripoli, Libya (File photo: Reuters)
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Libya’s GNA Factions Clash Amid Increasing 'Popular Discontent'

Libyans protest at Martyrs' Square in Tripoli, Libya (File photo: Reuters)
Libyans protest at Martyrs' Square in Tripoli, Libya (File photo: Reuters)

Disputes between factions of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), chaired by Fayez al-Sarraj, have increased over calls for rallies against the cabinet in the capital Tripoli.

Sarraj’s deputy, Ahmed Maiteeq, has asked the military prosecutor in Tripoli to take measures against Tripoli military official, Abdulbaset Marwan.

Recently, Marwan accused Maiteeq and other members of the GNA Presidential Council of working for local and foreign powers seeking to topple the GNA chief.

Maiteeq asked the military prosecutor to investigate this issue and take legal action against it, in accordance with the penal code and military procedures, and provide him with the result within 48 hours.

However, this did not prevent the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, Salah al-Din al-Namroush, from siding with Sarraj amid calls for protests against him.

On Saturday, Sarraj met with officials from auditing and accounting agencies, stressing the importance of cooperation and coordination amid current circumstances. He said that the agencies should establish the principle of integrity, transparency, and the rules of governance.

Hundreds of citizens marched in Zawiya and Tripoli on Friday amid growing popular anger over the performance of the GNA, and chanted against Sarraj protesting the deterioration of public services and the ongoing fuel and electricity crisis.

In Egypt, Speaker Aguila Saleh resumed a series of international and regional meetings within the framework of the efforts aimed at reaching a solution for the Libyan crisis.

Saleh is expected to meet with the US ambassador to Cairo, Jonathan Cohen, and discuss Libyan developments. He will also meet with Western delegations, in addition to Egyptian officials.

Meanwhile, the administration of US President Donald Trump indicated it aims to find a solution for the Libyan crisis, demilitarize Sirte and al-Jufra, and resume the services of the Libyan oil sector with full transparency.

The US embassy in Libya issued in a statement on Friday announcing that a US delegation, led by National Security Council Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Major General Miguel Correa and Ambassador Richard Norland, held virtual discussions with Libyan officials to advance concrete, urgent steps to find a demilitarized solution for Sirte and al-Jufra.

The embassy stated that Norland also held virtual discussions with the National Security Advisor Taj al-Din al-Rezagi and House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Yousef al-Agouri, Major General Correa.

The Ambassador underscored the need for a Libyan-led process to reclaim the country’s sovereignty and eject foreign forces.

“The United States will continue to actively engage a range of Libyan leaders who are ready to reject harmful foreign interference, de-escalate, and come together to realize a peaceful solution that benefits all Libyans,” according to the statement.

In addition, Norland spoke by telephone with PM Sarraj on recent efforts to finalize a Libyan solution that would consolidate a lasting ceasefire, promote transparency in economic institutions, and advance the political process under UN auspices.

According to the embassy, the Ambassador commended Sarraj’s leadership as responsible Libyan parties coming together to implement a demilitarized solution in central Libya and enable the National Oil Corporation to resume its vital work on behalf of all Libyans.

The Embassy “will remain actively involved with all Libyan parties, including the Government of National Accord and the House of Representatives, that reject foreign interference and seek to come together in peaceful dialogue."

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Arab World

Hezbollah Responds to Disarmament Efforts with Media Campaign, Political Escalation

Hezbollah’s Liaison and Coordination Official, Wafiq Safa, speaking to the media earlier... at the site of the assassination of Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, in southern Beirut's suburbs (EPA)
Hezbollah’s Liaison and Coordination Official, Wafiq Safa, speaking to the media earlier... at the site of the assassination of Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, in southern Beirut's suburbs (EPA)
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Hezbollah Responds to Disarmament Efforts with Media Campaign, Political Escalation

Hezbollah’s Liaison and Coordination Official, Wafiq Safa, speaking to the media earlier... at the site of the assassination of Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, in southern Beirut's suburbs (EPA)
Hezbollah’s Liaison and Coordination Official, Wafiq Safa, speaking to the media earlier... at the site of the assassination of Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, in southern Beirut's suburbs (EPA)

Amid ongoing Lebanese and international efforts to centralize weaponry under the control of the Lebanese state and enforce UN Resolution 1701, statements and campaigns launched by Hezbollah officials threaten to disrupt a path that had been clearly outlined by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Both leaders remain committed to dialogue in pursuit of an internal understanding, steering clear of any internal conflicts.

Recently, Hezbollah officials have made noteworthy statements following the President's announcement that 2025 will be the year to consolidate weapons under state authority.

Aoun reaffirmed that communication between the presidency and Hezbollah remains active, with tangible results on the ground.

He also highlighted that he and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri are in agreement on all matters, particularly the goal of placing weapons solely under the control of the state.

After Hezbollah's Deputy Political Council Head, Mahmoud Qamati, threatened to sever any hand that reaches for “the resistance's weapons,” he later clarified that his remarks were aimed at those launching campaigns against him and calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, the party's liaison and coordination official, Wafiq Safa, told Al-Nour Radio, a Hezbollah-affiliated station, that the term “disarmament” only exists on social media and among instigators.

He emphasized that discussions on a defense strategy would only take place after Israel’s withdrawal and cessation of its attacks, asserting that the strategy begins with equipping the army.

Addressing the resistance's supporters, Safa advised, “Do not be influenced by all the false narratives you hear. No force can disarm us.”

He further urged them to trust Hezbollah and its leadership, as they had trusted the late Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

On Thursday, MP Hassan Fadlallah launched a scathing attack on the Lebanese state, accusing it of failing to fulfill its duties in confronting external aggressions. He linked any dialogue about a “defense strategy” to the conditions of ending attacks, liberating land, freeing prisoners, and rebuilding.
“When these issues are resolved, and when the state fully assumes its responsibilities, ensuring our people's blood is no longer spilled, our land is no longer occupied, and our homes are no longer destroyed, we will discuss other matters, including the defense strategy.”

As Fadlallah denounced a “psychological war” against the resistance, it was notable that Hezbollah launched an advertising campaign with posters bearing the slogan:

“Your weapon is your steed... Protect it, and it will protect you,” signaling the group's firm stance on retaining its weapons. One poster also featured an image of the group's former media official, Mohammad Afif, with the inscription: “Hezbollah is a nation, and nations do not die.”

Hezbollah’s recent media messages, primarily revolving around the party's weaponry and defense strategy, are seen by Lebanese ministerial sources as “directed more at the party’s base than at the Lebanese state or the international community.”

These sources believe that the decision has already been made, and the process of centralizing weapons under the state's control has begun. They describe these statements as part of “domestic consumption” aimed at preparing the party's supporters for the changes unfolding, sending a message to the internal audience that “we are still here.”

The sources characterize the positions as “unrealistic,” noting that no Lebanese official has suggested disarming Hezbollah by force.

Instead, President Aoun, the government, and its leadership have emphasized dialogue on limiting weapons to the state and pursuing a defense strategy, while focusing on maintaining civil peace and avoiding sectarian conflict. These points are also underscored by international communications.

The sources further recall what they consider to be “established principles” that were clearly outlined in the President's inaugural speech and in the government’s ministerial statement, which was approved by Hezbollah and its parliamentary bloc.

They also note that the ceasefire agreement, approved by Hezbollah and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, was reached in the previous government in which Hezbollah participated.

Political analyst Ali Amin argues that some Hezbollah officials' statements about disarming the party reflect internal confusion within the group's leadership and an attempt to raise the negotiating stakes, both with Iran vis-à-vis Washington and with Lebanon's official authorities.

“Some of the media campaigns and statements by Hezbollah officials reflect this internal struggle more than they signal a firm stance on the issue of placing weapons solely under the state's control,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“Hezbollah, both in its Lebanese leadership and Iranian reference, understands that avoiding a solution to the issue of illegal weapons is no longer possible after the consequences of the 'support war' and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, with near-unanimous Lebanese agreement on the need to centralize arms in the state,” he explained.

“Adding to this is the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, with no response from Hezbollah or any capability for retaliation, confirming that the party is in no position to continue opposing these new realities that did not exist before the war.”

“The only remaining function for weapons not aimed at Israel is an internal one—engaging in an internal war, which is unlikely to occur given the ongoing regional and international support for Lebanon,” Amin concluded, adding that “this support has played a crucial role in reorganizing constitutional institutions and pushing for urgent financial reforms.”

He believes the confusion and failure to grasp the ongoing transformations reflect internal party dynamics more than a broader conflict between Hezbollah and external forces.