By Hussein Al-Mesallati
Writer Hussein Al-Mesallati argues that the establishment of the so-called “Supreme Authority for Presidencies” marks a strained step in the Libyan political arena, reflecting a desperate attempt by the expired legislative and executive bodies in Tripoli—the Presidential Council, the Government of National Unity, and the High Council of State—to cling to power. Al-Mesallati contends that this declaration, which lacks clear constitutional and legal backing, is part of a deliberate pattern of obstruction and recklessness employed by these entities to deepen the division and hinder any national effort aiming to unify the country.
The writer emphasises the illegitimate nature of this formation, noting that the mandates of both the Presidential Council and the government have long expired, and the presidency of the High Council of State itself remains subject to ongoing judicial dispute. Crucially, the sole legitimate legislative body, the House of Representatives, was absent from this announcement. Consequently, Al-Mesallati posits that the true objective behind this move is not reformist, but rather an effort to obstruct a serious path toward forming a new, unified government—the necessary foundation for holding national elections that would end the state of division and restore institutional legitimacy.
This escalation coincides with a positive atmosphere created by a series of meetings held in the Al-Mushir Military City, bringing together Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the General Commander of the Armed Forces, with elders, dignitaries, and wise men from all regions of Libya. These meetings reaffirmed national unity and the need for a fundamental resolution to the crisis. Al-Mesallati suggests that these developments have alarmed the expired bodies, who fear the emergence of a consensus-based national roadmap that bypasses their political leverage. Thus, he interprets the announcement of the “Supreme Authority for Presidencies” as a preemptive measure intended to confuse the scene and thwart any alternative that could end the escalating crisis, which is negatively impacting citizens’ livelihoods.
Al-Mesallati describes this action as a “fully-fledged political coup” against constitutional texts and the principle of the peaceful transfer of power. He calls for a “broad popular uprising” to halt this folly, put an end to attempts to seize national decision-making, and chart a new course that realises the Libyan people’s aspirations for a stable, unified state with effective institutions.
In conclusion, the writer warns of the danger posed by the silence of the international community and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) regarding this development. He argues that a failure to condemn this step will be interpreted as tacit encouragement for this “coup” against constitutional legitimacy, thereby threatening the political solution pathway and exacerbating chaos. Faced with this blatant violation of political agreements and the overreach of illegitimate authorities backed by outlaw armed groups, Al-Mesallati deems it a national duty for legitimate institutions to explicitly declare themselves free from the Skhirat and Geneva agreements, and to immediately begin considering all available options to address this dangerous development targeting the constitutional structure and stability of the state
