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Libyan parliament votes against UN-backed government

Wednesday, 31 August 2016 5:50 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 31 August 2016 5:50 AM ]

This picture taken on February 20, 2016 shows a general view of a meeting of Libyan prime minister-designate, Fayez al-Sarraj, to present a program of his new national unity government, before the parliament. ©AFP

Libya stands on the verge of yet more upheaval. The NATO-backed toppling of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi created a power vacuum in the country.

Now, there is more uncertainty on the Libyan horizon, with the UN-backed government facing a major blow as lawmakers in the internationally-recognized parliament reject the cabinet. Despite calls from the West to hammer out a deal, Fayez Sarraj who was appointed to head the unity government has not managed to secure a vote of confidence from opponents. What next for Libya?

After months of wrangling, the two sides reached a peace deal and an agreement on setting up the unity government last year. On the one side, the internationally-recognized government based in Tobruk in the east; and on the other, a militant-backed authority in the capital, Tripoli. Since then, consensus has been hard to come by. Parliamentarians from both sides have been unable to agree on the best path going forward.

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