Libya’s GNA interior minister accuses militias of corruption

Sarah Rashad

Libyan Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha of the Government of National Accord (GNA) has accused the terrorist militias in Tripoli of corruption. In response to Bashaagha’s accusations, the terrorist militias issued a statement on February 27, decrying him calling for the termination of what they described as “careless” rule.

Bashagha vowed to pursue legal action against the militias saying these militias are undermining the work of the Interior Ministry. The crisis has exposed a division among of the militias: one in Misrata, comprising Syrian militants brought into Libya by Turkey, and another group based in Tripoli that is not directly affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood.

Ali al-Ramly, leader of Nawasi militia, has accused Bashagha of inciting the militias and trying to remove citing that he is relying on Syrian mercenaries and foreign fighters.

Commenting on the crisis, Mohamed al-Zubaidy, a Libyan politician, said that such a crisis will blow the unity of militias, thus facilitate the Libyan National Army’s mission to free Tripoli.

“Bashaagha’s crisis with the militias is serious and things will not be the same as used to be,” al-Zubaidy told THE REFERENCE.

“These militias will not overcome this crisis, as long as they are fighting for power,” he said.

The Libyan politician said that greed for power and Libya’s resources had caused the crisis, pointing out that each militia wants to get rid of the other militias to exclusively get power.