Libya’s Tripoli-based National Salvation Government has quickly backed away from its plan to dissolve and clear the way for the U.N.-backed unity government, know as the Government of National Accord, to take control. A statement from National Salvation Prime Minister Khalifa Ghweil, posted on his personal website, asks his government ministers “to continue your mission in accordance with the law” and threatens to prosecute ministers who cooperate with the unity government. Ghweil’s statement contradicts an announcement posted on the National Salvation Government’s Facebook page on Tuesday that said the government would dissolve in support of the Government of National Accord to prevent further violence.
Libya’s Tripoli-based National Salvation Government announced yesterday that it will step down, clearing the way for the U.N.-backed unity government, also called the Government of National Accord, to assert power in the nation’s capitol. In a statement issued on Facebook, the National Salvation Government said it was dissolving to prevent further bloodshed and called on government agencies to respect the unity government’s authority. The Government of National Accord, members of which arrived in Tripoli by boat last week, has also secured support from the Libyan Investment Authority, the National Oil Corporation, and the Central Bank. The announcement follows protests this weekend, in which National Accord Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj walked through the city and was met by supporters chanting slogans against the National Salvation Government. U.N. Libya envoy Martin Kobler, who is meeting with the unity government in Tripoli this week, said the dissolution of the National Salvation Government is “good news” but stressed that “deeds must follow words.”
The unity government still faces opposition from Libya’s other rival government, the Tobruk-based House of Representatives, but elements of that government, which will be folded into the unity government as the national parliament, are reportedly making “conciliatory statements.”