Libya’s rivals declare unity Cabinet under UN plan

Libya has remained in a state of turmoil since a bloody rebellion – part of the 2011 “Arab Spring” uprisings – ended in the ouster and death of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. It’s not yet clear where the national unity government will be located.

 The peace agreement and plan to form a unity government was signed by 80 out of 188 legislators from the Council of Deputies and 50 of 136 members of the General National Congress (GNC) in December 2015.

Both parliaments are backed by different armed groups and there is still substantial opposition towards the new administration.

UN Libya envoy Martin Kobler, who has guided the unity talks, said the announcement was a significant step forward in the quest to end Libya’s political divisions and armed conflict.

TRIPOLI – A Libyan unity government was formed on Tuesday under a United Nations (UN)-brokered deal aimed at ending years of bloodshed, but it was unclear whether the leaders have wide support from the warring sides.

The lineup of the new Cabinet was approved by seven out of nine members of the presidential council, after two members walked out in protest. “No effort must be spared nor any opportunity missed to utilize the window of opportunity that Libya has to halt any further expansion by terrorist groups represented in Daesh, Ansar al-Sharia and al-Qaida”, mission said in a statement.

The Cabinet’s line-up shows that Sarraj has tried to bring together opponents, a tactic that only could potentially lead to a new round of bickering.

According to a snap analysis by Tripoli sources supporting prime minister-designate Fayez Sarraj, the choice of Marwan Abusrewil as foreign minister fosters a balance between the interests of those in the west and those in the east of the country.

Once the new government’s membership is announced theinternationally recognised parliament in eastern Libya will have10 days to approve it. The eastern military forces are led by Gen Khalifa Haftar, a former Gaddafi ally who has become one of the most divisive figures among Libya’s rival groups. Islamic State fighters have also increasingly targeted Libya’s oil infrastructure. European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini called the announcement by the Tunis-based council, tasked with overseeing Libya’s political transition, “an essential step”.

He urged the country’s internationally recognized parliament, the House of Representatives, to “promptly convene” and endorse the unity government.