A heated debate has erupted in Libya after investigative economic journalist Ahmed Al-Senussi accused the Government of National Unity (GNU) of wasting public funds. In a Facebook post, Al-Senussi criticized the cost of renovating Martyrs’ Square in Tripoli, claiming the project cost $15 million (approximately 100 million Libyan dinars), which he deemed excessive.
Al-Senussi pointed out that the square covers an area of 15,000 square meters, meaning the paving cost reached 6,600 dinars per square meter (around $1,000). He questioned the source of funding for the project, alleging that the money was not drawn from the development budget but rather from the National Oil Corporation (NOC).
Government’s Response via “Tabyeen”
The GNU swiftly responded through its official fact-checking platform, “Tabyan,” denying the accuracy of Al-Senussi’s claims and labeling them as “misleading.” The platform confirmed that the project’s actual cost was less than half the amount cited by Al-Senussi, according to oversight authorities.
“Tabyan” clarified that the amount mentioned covered all infrastructure work, including electricity and communication networks, as well as adjacent roads—details Al-Senussi omitted from his post. The platform also noted that the square’s actual area is larger than the figure circulated.
*Al-Senussi Challenges the Government*
Al-Senussi responded defiantly on his verified Facebook page, which boasts over 295,000 followers, stating:
– “I am not a political activist, as the government has labeled me.”
– “I challenge the claim that the project was approved based on official estimates or oversight approvals.”
– “Sewage work was carried out by the Water and Sewage Company using its budget after the contracting company refused to cover the costs.”
– “Paving work was added to a contract for another project (Tarhuna – Salah al-Din).”
– “Electrical work was funded independently by the General Electricity Company.”
– “The fountain installation was funded solely by the Telecommunications Holding Company.”
– “There are no technical committees for sample inspections, final approvals, or approved quantity price tables.”
*Ongoing Feud Between Al-Senussi and the Government*
This controversy is part of a long-standing feud between Al-Senussi and the GNU. In February, Al-Senussi sparked widespread debate during an appearance on the “Khalil Podcast” with journalist Khalil Al-Hassi, where he revealed that he had been offered an advisory role in the Ministry of Economy by GNU Minister Mohamed Al-Hwej.
Al-Senussi stated, “If we accepted such positions, how could we criticize the ministry or the state afterward?” He emphasized that he had rejected all offers, noting that those who challenge corruption are often tempted with lucrative offers to silence them.
In July, Al-Senussi was released by the Public Prosecutor after being detained for three days by the Internal Security Agency without an official explanation. Following public pressure, the agency revealed that his arrest was linked to his publication of documents exposing corruption in the Ministry of Economy and Trade.
His arrest drew widespread condemnation from civil society organizations, political figures, and the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), all of whom demanded his immediate release.
*Questions Over Transparency* This dispute arises amid growing questions about the transparency of public spending in Libya, with increasing calls for clarity on the mechanisms of project financing and assurances against corruption or inflated costs
