Libya’s Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha has said he is making arrangements to assume office in the capital Tripoli. He also called on state bodies to stop obeying the Government of National Unity (GNU).
He ordered all heads of public departments and bodies not to arrange financial or contractual obligations on behalf of the Libyan state.
The Minister of Interior in Bashagha’s government, Major General Essam Abu Zariba, underscored the need to follow his instructions and orders and called for raising the level of preparedness, securing state headquarters, institutions and vital facilities, and preventing any breaches that affect the security of the capital and the safety of Libyans.
Abu Zariba said the ministry is finalizing all arrangements for the government to start its work from the capital to ensure the peaceful transfer of power and maintain security and stability.
Meanwhile, head of the GNU Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah has vowed not to cede power before holding elections.
During a meeting with various heads of diplomatic missions in Tripoli on Tuesday, Dbeibah said he respects people’s will to hold elections as soon as possible.
He further reviewed the government’s plan to restore people’s trust.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland said his country maintains contacts with Libyan conflicting parties to ensure calm and avoid escalation.
“In the context of ongoing political tensions in Libya, I have been in touch with PM Dbeibah and PM-designate Fathi Bashagha and am confident both leaders want to avoid escalating violence,” he disclosed via the US Embassy Twitter account.
