Libya: Bashagha begins consultations to form Government

A group of Libyan armed brigades in the western region declared their support for the appointed government of Fathi Bashagha, rejecting any military confrontations and abiding by the decision of the House of Representatives and the new government.

The brigades said in a statement carried by afrigatenews: “We reassure our people in all parts of Libya that there is no war or fighting between Libyans”, they said.

The Armed Brigades accused the head of the national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, of “inciting war, fighting and bloodshed”, confirming: “We will not give him this opportunity”, the statement said.

Military convoys from the western region headed to the capital Tripoli in support of Fathi Bashagha.
The capital Tripoli is divided between the new government, which was approved by parliament headed by Fathi Bashagha, and the government of national unity, headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, who announced his refusal to step down.
Activists circulated videos on social media of military convoys from the western region entering the capital.

The Libyan Prime Minister-designate Bashagha initiated consultations to form the new Libyan government and confirmed that the mechanisms for receiving the government would be unhindered and in accordance with peaceful means.

Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha reiterated that he would not run in the upcoming presidential elections.

Fathi Bashagha sent reassuring messages of his commitment to the formation of the new government within the allotted time, saying that it will translate into real meaning for effective political participation and the participation of all Libyans.

Bashagha said the handover process will be conducted in accordance with constitutional mechanisms and through peaceful means, adding that Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh is a civilian and believes in democracy.

Bashagha said he is committed to the stability of the security situation and to the constitutional frameworks for holding the elections.

This came after his meeting with the Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Libya, Stephanie Williams, who stressed the need to move the political process forward without any exclusion, calling on interim Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and his successor Fathi Bashagha, who was mandated by the parliament, to maintain calm and stability.