Libya – Libyan political analyst Idris Ahmeid said continued political division in Libya hits citizens directly through poorer services, a deteriorating economy and rising poverty and disorder, especially in some parts of the west.
Ahmeid told Sputnik in exclusive remarks that prolonged division weakens the legitimacy of the political parties and brings serious, lasting consequences.
Independence of sovereign institutions
Ahmeid added that sovereign institutions — chiefly the Central Bank of Libya, the National Oil Corporation and the judiciary — should be independent, neutral national institutions, noting that political division has affected the Central Bank’s stability, the dinar’s exchange rate and letters of credit.
He said the National Oil Corporation needs stability to carry out its projects, since oil is the state’s main resource, so that revenues can be used to diversify the economy and make up for development projects Libya has missed.
He stressed the need to respect the judiciary’s independence and give it the space to apply the law away from political jockeying.
Settlement and the arms file
On the next phase, Ahmeid argued that a political settlement remains the best option, but that its success requires addressing the arms file, especially in the west, in parallel with the political and economic tracks.
He said earlier experience showed that quota-based governments failed to end the crisis or hold elections.
Pressure on obstructive parties
Ahmeid said some parties that blocked earlier accords are now trying to obstruct any new arrangements that could push them off the stage, arguing that the international community and the United Nations must apply real pressure on obstructive parties rather than settle for statements and formal dialogues.
He concluded that he is not calling for war, but for a firm stance to end armed formations outside state institutions, support the military and security institutions and impose security and stability — paving the way to end the division and hold elections.
