One of Libya’s two largest self-proclaimed governments, the Tobruk-based eastern government, has fallen over the weekend, with Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thanni submitting his resignation to parliament, in the face of mounting protests.
Thanni has been a top figure in Tobruk for years. His government backs the self-proclaimed leader of the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA), Gen. Khalifa Hafter. Parliament says they will address what happens at their next session, though that is not scheduled yet.
Thanni’s government was not recognized by the UN, which prefers the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). The Tobruk parliament is, however, backed by a number of Gulf Arab states, and neighboring Egypt.
The LNA has been fighting the GNA for awhile, but the siege of Tripoli failed this summer, putting the GNA in a more secure position. This is likely part of why protests are growing and Thanni’s position felt less and less tenable.
Protests happen in any country when US us unhappy. Now why would US be unhappy? Protests in Tripoli and protests in Benghazi. Seriously? Just after two Parliaments inked a deal in unification by deciding on power sharing — protests because of the poor standard if living? Seriously?
After war and devastation — all these years NO PROTESTS? Suddenly — rent-a-mob drums up excitement of masses and voila, protests just as the peace is near. Which means somebody is not happy being left out — and wants in.
Initially Gen. Hafter was a Israel/US ‘asset’ opposed to the UN provisional gov’t; then, Turkey and Russia backed him. And they’re all fighting the native forces.
Is this a kinda Syria reprise?
Meanwhile, support for a return to the Gaddafi regime mounts among the protesters in Sirte. The plot thickens….