Libya: Bitter rivals agree to form unity government

After months of wrangling, Libya's two warring legislatures have agreed to form a joint cabinet, raising hopes for an end to fighting amid a growing extremist threat.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab & agencies

19 January, 2016

Libya's warring factions have agreed to form a unity government [AFP]

Rival Libyan factions have announced a unity government which it is hoped will help stem the continued chaos that has engulfed the country since its 2011 uprising.

The Unity Presidential Council told reporters on Tuesday it had agreed on a 32-member cabinet, drawn from across the country.

It will include representatives from Libya's two rival parliaments - in Tripoli and Tobruk - as well as delegates from other factions.

The agreement is part of a UN-backed process that has been rejected by other members of both main factions.

It's not clear where the new government would be based or if it can govern the oil-rich North African country. The Unity Presidential Council meets in neighbouring Tunisia.

The United Nations have also confirmed the deal, according to AFP.

"I congratulate Libyan people [and] Presidency Council on formation of Govt. of National Accord," UN envoy Martin Kolber wrote on Twitter.

Kolber called on Libya's rival parliaments to endorse the unity government, although fewer than half of lawmakers have signed up to the deal.

It is hoped the deal will finally end war in the country, which has been divided along tribal and political lines since the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

International powers have also been keen for the two major powers to sign a peace deal, as the Islamic State group and other extremist-linked militias continue to proliferate amid the power vacuum.