This is an excerpt from an article in our monthly Libya Focus publication.
In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press on 28 September, Khalifa Haftar again demonstrated his unwillingness to compromise and work with the GNA. He also may have revealed more about his ambitions to control the whole country. In written responses to AP reporters, Haftar expressed his admiration for Egypt’s President Abdelfattah El-Sisi, although he said that he would not answer questions about his intentions to similarly seek high office until Libya achieved political, security and social stability.
His statements to the press could also reveal elements of his future planning. From his statements it can be gleaned that he might aim to purge political Islamists like the Muslim Brotherhood, who he identified as ‘hijacking’ Tripoli; achieve territorial control over more of Libya; win more popular support by delivering basic needs while suppressing dissent and faltering democratic processes and institutions; then press into leadership positions.
His dismissal of any co-operation with the GNA or the UN — both of which he claimed to be powerless — is unlikely to solicit more trust from the international community, and especially the West. His pleas for the arms embargo to be lifted on his Libyan National Army (LNA) were preempted by a UN Security Council statement on 27 September which re-iterated support for the GNA and the continuation of the arms embargo. Haftar’s comments on Russia were particularly disturbing to Western audiences after he requested it intervene in Libya as it had done in Syria. He also requested Russia supply him with weapons. US Special Envoy Winer and the Russian foreign ministry denied that weapons deals were included in recent discussions between Haftar and the Russians — and Russia was not implicated as a violator of the embargo in the March 2016 report by the UN Panel of Experts report — but there are many both inside and outside Libya who suspect that there have been covert deals.
Haftar’s domestic critics saw the interview as proof of his dictatorial aspirations. While the GNA and the UN have repeatedly offered Haftar a role in government — stating that his participation was essential despite the fact that he is such a polarising individual — Haftar appears to be using his leverage to avoid compromise. His supporters cited the failed experiment with democracy and Haftar’s ability to meet local needs and especially in Benghazi.
Haftar’s recent actions have only underscored the existential threat that he poses to democratic transition. Intimidation of his rivals has continued, including through the arrest of a member of the Derna municipal council at Labraq airport. NGOs have begun leaving eastern Libya for fear of intimidation, and eastern media outlets are self-censoring. More military governors are also appointed in the east, including replacing mayors who stepped down voluntarily, because they have been unable to address local needs. Since 11 August, Haftar’s Chief of Staff Abdurrazzak Nazhuri has sought to replace mayors with military governors in Benghazi, Ajdabiya, Derna, Gulf of Sidra, Abyar, Bin Jawad, Al-Kufra, Shahat and Tobruk.
There were reports that the 101st Brigade, which is affiliated with the LNA, was building an 80 km trench around Ajdabiya to fortify LNA control of the town. Meanwhile individuals close to Haftar have intimated that a move westward towards Tripoli could be imminent. There were also reports that the LNA’s 12th Brigade may attack the Jufra Air Base which is currently under the control of Misrata’s Third Force.
