Libya unity government will probably prolong its term

Significance

The Government of National Accord in Tripoli had handed over power on March 16. The ceremony means Libya now has its first unified government since 2014. The new government has a short mandate: its main task is to hold national elections on December 24. However, it faces many challenges, including ensuring that a constitutional framework exists for such an election and that there is security for it to take place.

Impacts

• Dbeibah’s decision to keep the defence portfolio himself demonstrates the sensitivity of security issues.
• Infrastructure development may be the key way for Dbeibah to generate popular support and build a patronage network.
• The government may expedite oil infrastructure programmes in order to increase production and use the proceeds.