World
Libya’s longstanding political impasse intensified on Monday with the country’s eastern parliament voting to reject the U.N.-backed unity government based in Tripoli. The Government of National Accord (G.N.A.), which was set up in Libya after the U.N. brokered a deal in December, has failed to extend its authority beyond the capital, Tripoli.
This is the first time that Tobruk-based eastern parliament held a vote after rejecting an initial list of ministers proposed by the G.N.A. leadership in January, reports Al Jazeera. Out of total 101 lawmakers that attended Monday’s session, 61 voted against U.N. backed government, 39 abstained and while one voted in favor.
In the wake of mounting opposition against the G.N.A., the parliamentary sessions have frequently been delayed or blocked, frustrating the U.N. and Western states that are concerned over Libya’s thriving industry of people-smuggling to Europe.
In the absence of an authoritative government, Libya’s security apparatus has collapsed and its oil production has been badly hit, writes Reuters. With increasing number of Libyan migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Europe, the Western powers are banking on the G.N.A. to address the country’s challenges and stem the influx.
