Libyans Wary About ‘Wide Brotherhood Participation’ in Tunisia Dialogue Forum

The United Nations Support Mission in Libyan (UNSMIL) revealed its list of participants for the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Tunisia, sparking a wide rejection from various parties who accused the UN of “favoring the Muslim Brotherhood movement.”

Head of the Libyan National Party Bashir al-Rabiti sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding the names nominated by the UNSMIL to attend the political dialogue.

He began his letter by praising the UN efforts in helping Libya achieve a permanent ceasefire agreement, which gives hope for a more secure and stable future for the country.

Rabiti indicated that most of those included in the mission’s list are “controversial names, who have suspicious affiliations, and owe allegiance to the Muslim Brotherhood.”

He noted that the names proposed reveal the “implicit intention of the UN mission to prolong the Libyan crisis.”

The official concluded by asking the United Nations to clarify the reasons for choosing representatives of the Brotherhood, warning that they are the main reason for the crises in Libya, and they only represent themselves not the Libyan society.

However, a UNSMIL official rejected these accusations, asserting to Asharq Al-Awsat that there was a great consensus among the Libyans on the invitees, and the mission was keen to include all parties, without any exclusions.

MP Misbah Douma called on the UN mission to develop a mechanism and criteria for making public decisions, such as choosing the Prime Minister and members of the Presidential Council.

Douma urged the UNSMIL to ensure there is no foreign interference, warning of repeating the same scenario of former envoy Bernardino Leon which could leave Libyans in crisis for years to come.

Bernardino Leon is the UN envoy who helped establish the Skhirat agreement in Morocco at the end of December 2015 and was later replaced by Martin Kobler.

The Supreme Council of Libyan Sheikhs and Notables of Libya called upon the UN envoy to include tribal sheiks and notables in the dialogue, warning that ignoring these leaders could lead to the rejection of the conference’s results.

The Council lauded the efforts of the mission that culminated in the success of 5 + 5 Joint Military Commission and the parties’ adherence to reach an agreement that would achieve stability and security in the country.