Libya is once again split between rival factions after clashes erupted Tuesday morning, when Fathi Bashagha – appointed prime minister by the country’s House of Representatives – attempted to take control of the government. Libya is currently ruled by the United Nations-recognised administration of Abdel Hamid Dbeibeh, but it has refused to cede power. Lawmakers argue that Dbeibah’s mandate expired after Libya failed to hold presidential elections in December as planned under a UN-brokered agreement. The failure to hold the vote was a major blow to international efforts to end a decade of chaos in Libya. The UN special adviser on Libya, Stephanie Williams, called for calm and for rival parties to refrain from taking part in the clashes.

Source: Libya Today May 17, 2022 12:30 UTC