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."



US Sends Beirut ‘Warning’ and ‘Incentive’ Over Hezbollah Arms

US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)
US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)
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US Sends Beirut ‘Warning’ and ‘Incentive’ Over Hezbollah Arms

US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)
US special envoy Tom Barrack (Reuters)

US special envoy Tom Barrack delivered a dual message of “incentive” and “warning” to the Lebanese capital this week, urging swift action on the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons.

“You have Israel on one side, you have Iran on the other, and now you have Syria manifesting itself so quickly that if Lebanon doesn’t move, it’s going to be Bilad Al Sham again,” he said, using the historical name for the Syria region.

The remarks sparked alarm within Lebanon’s political establishment, with some interpreting the comments as a blunt warning of “existential danger.”

Government sources told Asharq al-Awsat that Barrack, who also serves as Washington’s ambassador to Türkiye and was previously tasked with Syria policy, appears to be approaching the Lebanon and Syria files through a unified lens.

“Barrack believes that Lebanon should follow the same diplomatic path as Syria,” one official said, referring to Damascus' recent re-engagement with regional and international actors. “But he also understands Lebanon’s complex political terrain.”

Barrack’s comments about Lebanon potentially “returning to Bilad Al Sham” provoked criticism across the political spectrum, prompting him to clarify his position in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“My comments yesterday praised Syria’s impressive strides, not a threat to Lebanon,” wrote Barrack.

“I observed the reality that Syria is moving at light speed to seize the historic opportunity presented by President Donald Trump lifting of sanctions: investment from Türkiye and the Gulf, diplomatic outreach to neighboring countries, and a clear vision for the future,” he added.

He said Syria’s leadership is “seeking coexistence and shared prosperity with Lebanon based on sovereign equality,” and stressed that the United States supports a bilateral relationship that promotes “peace, prosperity, and mutual respect” between the two nations.

“I can assure that Syria’s leaders only want co-existence and mutual prosperity with Lebanon, and the United States is committed to supporting that relationship between two equal and sovereign neighbors enjoying peace and prosperity,” said Barrack.

Barrack, in the context of disarming Hezbollah, had stated that a successful approach requires a combination of "carrots and sticks". This means using both positive incentives (carrots) and negative consequences (sticks) to achieve the desired outcome.

Barrack’s recent warning to Lebanon reflects the “stick” Washington is wielding, while his unprecedented acknowledgment of Hezbollah’s dual structure signals the “carrot” being offered.

“This is the first time a US official publicly distinguishes between Hezbollah’s political and military wings,” one source told Asharq al-Awsat.

“It’s a message of inducement aimed directly at Hezbollah, despite the fact that Washington has long treated both branches as inseparable and placed them under the same sanctions regime,” they explained.

In remarks to the press, Barrack reiterated the US designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, but added nuance rarely heard from senior American officials.