New government announcement adds to Libya’s political stalemate

Libyan activist Saeed Gdara has announced the formation of what he called the National Emergency Government, urging citizens to take to the streets in support of the initiative amid the country’s prolonged political deadlock, as reported by Libya Review on July 24th. 

The announcement comes as the second declaration of a new government in Libya this week, following Mostafa Al-Majdoub who declared himself head of a new Libyan government from Geneva. If Gdara’s initiative is implemented it would represent the fourth claimed government adding to Libya’s already fragmented political landscape. Currently the country remains divided between the internationally recognised Government of National Unity in Tripoli, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, and the administration in East Libya, backed by the House of Representatives and the Libyan National Army (LNA). 

In a televised address, Gdara argued that years of mismanagement and the waste of Libya’s wealth had stalled the country’s development despite having great economic potential. He added that Libya could have become one of the most stable and prosperous nations in the region. Gdara said the proposed National Emergency Government was not intended to become another party to the conflict but instead a bridge towards unifying the state of Libya. He swore to work towards ending political divisions, and restore state authority while placing citizen’s interest over political rivalries. 

He also criticised the effects of continuous foreign interference and competing regional and international interests, saying they prolong the crisis Libya is facing. His plans to launch a national reconciliation initiative were announced in the address and he called on political forces to prioritize the country’s interests over division and exclusion. Gdara further pledged to activate consensual electoral laws and organise parliamentary and presidential elections within 30 days, despite the fact he did not clarify how a timetable could be implemented.

He concluded his talk by calling on Libyans to demonstrate peacefully in support of the National Emergency Government and to show what he described as national unity.

Libya Review, Maghrebi.org.