Tensions have flared within the governance committee of Libya’s “structured dialogue,” threatening to derail United Nations-supported mediation efforts aimed at unifying the nation’s political landscape.
The friction stems largely from the conduct of Mustafa al-Bahbah, a committee member representing the Democratic Party, who has been accused of making offensive remarks toward the deputy head of the National Front Party. Furthermore, multiple sources have reported that his behavior toward female participants has significantly disrupted sessions and poisoned the overall atmosphere of the negotiations.
Amidst these personal conflicts, al-Bahbah has continued to push for the activation of Article 64 of the Libyan Political Agreement, which calls for the creation of a constituent assembly. This stance has deepened the divide among committee members, who remain at odds over the country’s institutional priorities and the timeline for political transition. The persistence of these disagreements, coupled with the reported behavioral issues, has led to a noticeable stalemate in the dialogue process.
Frustration is also mounting against the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), with some participants criticizing the mission for failing to enforce the established code of conduct or intervene effectively during heated exchanges. As the situation escalates, several stakeholders have indicated they are preparing formal legal complaints to be filed with the prosecutor general. While official communications remain limited, the emerging legal and personal disputes highlight the fragile state of Libya’s current institutional negotiations.
MK/AK/te/lb/abj/APA