Libyan influential tribes have been deserting the UN-backed unity government to join the side of east-based army commander Khalifa Haftar, increasing therefore the influence of the self-style Field Marshal in the challenge-awash North African country, reports say. The influence of Russian mouth-piece in the Libyan crisis is becoming alarming in the West. Several other influential tribes including Mshait, Obeid, Fwakher and Drasa have also aligned themselves with Haftar. Several tribes have joined Haftar’s side because of his animosity against Tripoli Grand Mufti Sheikh Sadiq Ghariani, , reports say. It is reported that there are over 140 influential tribes and clans in Libya, but only thirty tribes have a great political influence.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 22, 2017 16:41 UTC