For a long time, the war-ravaged north African nation has been struggling to establish a peaceful regime. Nevertheless, such efforts have ended futile with two potent forces fighting to become superior. Ironically, Libya was once a land of plenty, with all the standard treatments for its citizens. The turn of events came when a NATO-backed uprising toppled the then president, Gaddafi, and killed him. Since then, multiple forces have been fighting for power.
Dbeibah Appointed
Amid the power struggle, Libya saw a rise in unemployment, inflation, food crises, which all totaled to a low economy. However, during lengthy United Nations-sponsored talks, Libyan authorities decided to appoint Mr. Hamid Dbeibah as their interim Prime Minister. They accorded him the duty to establish a cabinet that would resolve the Libyan crises and restore peace.
The new post came as a surprise to Dbeibah because he was just a businessman. Alongside him were three-member Presidential council. The United Nations was optimistic Dbeibah and his team would prepare Libya for fair and transparent elections come December this year. The process of forming an equally honest and just cabinet was not a walk in the park for Dbeibah.
When some tried to tarnish Dbeibah’s criteria in choosing the cabinet, he defended the process stating his main objective as choosing people he would efficiently work with, no matter where they come from. Of course, such issues had to arise, considering the top seat is eyed by many vultures.
The New Cabinet
The cabinet forming process, which lasted two days, occurred in the central city of Sirte under heavy security. Sirte is known to many as Dbeibah’s hometown. After a peaceful and prosperous process, Dbeiba presented its cabinet members’ names to the Libyan lawmakers. Dbeibah’s government comprised two prime ministers, 26 Ministers and 6 ministers of state, and the primary justice and foreign portfolios handed over to women.
The Reactions
To begin with, Prime Minister Dbeibah was pleased by the turn of events. He pledged to restore peace in Libya and improve its deteriorated economy. In a speech, he hailed that time for a big transition had come.
“The time has come to turn the page on wars and divisions,” Dbeibah said, who thanked lawmakers “for putting the nation’s interest above all else.”
Of course, establishing a cabinet is one thing, and getting to work is another, especially in a country like Libya, with daunting challenges.
The United Nations, feeling content with Dbeibah’s government, praised the cabinet leaders for their patriotic efforts that led to the landmark moment in Libya’s history. The UN stated that it was now time for Libya to use the genuine opportunity to move forward towards unity, stability, prosperity, reconciliation, and to restore its sovereignty fully.
Also, the government’s endorsement was welcomed by the United States and the European Union, which also called the vote “historic” and neighboring Egypt and Tunisia, plus Britain, France, and Italy. Fayez al-Sarraj, former head of GNA, also celebrated the moment and made it clear that he was stepping down and ready to see the interim government prosper.
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