Libya’s embattled Prime Minister says replacing him could trigger war

The Libyan Prime Minister warns that the appointment of a new interim government could set off war and chaos in a Mediterranean country, which is already mired in a decade of turmoil

Libya’s embattled Prime Minister is warning that the appointment of a new interim government could set off war and chaos in a Mediterranean country, which is already mired in a decade-old turmoil.

Addressing Libyans late Monday, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah reiterated his insistence that he will hand over power only to an elected government. He mapped out a likely unrealistic plan to hold elections in June.

Mr. Dbeibah called any plan to install a interim government “reckless” and a "farce” that could lead to more wars. He was referring to ongoing efforts by the House of Representatives to confirm a new government chaired by Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashaga. “I will not accept by whatever form to hand over [power] to chaos,” he said. An election, he said, "is the sole solution.”

The east-based Parliament earlier this month named Mr. Bashaga, a powerful former Interior Minister from the western city of Misrata, to form a new interim government. He has to submit his Cabinet to the Parliament this week. Mr. Bashagha’s appointment was part of a road-map set elections within the next 14 months.

In his eight-page speech, Mr. Dbeibah mentioned “war” or “wars” eight times. He described the Parliament’s move as “a failed manoeuver” that will trigger “war and chaos.”

He said he engaged with negotiations with his rivals to avert the current stalemate, but his efforts failed. He accused one rival, commander Khalifa Hifter, of inflaming “political chaos” in the country.

There was no immediate comment from Mr. Hifter, who led a failed offensive to capture the capital, Tripoli, in 2019 from rival militias.