The rival government appointed by Libya's eastern-based parliament said Tuesday it had arrived in the capital, where the unity government has refused to cede power, prompting fighting between their militia backers. Clashes broke out between rival armed groups shortly after he entered the western city, an AFP journalist reported. In February, the parliament in the eastern city of Tobruk designated former interior minister Bashagha as prime minister. But he has failed to oust the Tripoli-based unity administration led by premier Abdulhamid Dbeibah, who has said repeatedly he will only cede power to an elected government. The rise of Bashagha's government gives the North African country two rival administrations, as was the case between 2014 and a 2020 ceasefire.

Source: Libya Today May 17, 2022 08:29 UTC