Ahmed Maiteeq on Conflict Zone

Will Russia fill the vacuum in Libya? Moscow’s supports strongman Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who has been fighting the internationally recognized government in Tripoli since April.

The Government of National Accord (GNA) says that Haftar had failed in his bid to take control of the country. Libyan Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeq told DW:  "After eight months of fighting … he didn’t get Libya."

Maiteeq told Tim Sebastian on Conflict Zone that despite support from outside, Haftar had been unsuccessful in taking the capital, Tripoli.

"After eight months of fighting with all the support that Haftar is getting from outside Libya, he didn't win," Maiteeq said.

But more than 1,000 people were killed in recent clashes. "Haftar sent a clear message to everybody that he doesn't want a democracy in Libya," Maiteeq said.

The United States says Moscow has been backing Haftar with drones, equipment and Russian mercenaries.  Haftar’s Libyan National Army has also conducted numerous airstrikes against GNA-held Tripoli.

"We believe that we've been a U.S. ally for quite a long time."

Trump misinformed

Washington has long backed the GNA, but US President Donald Trump has praised the warlord, citing Haftar’s efforts againt the Islamic State.

"I think the president is badly informed," Maiteeq said.

Sebastian said Washington wanted the GNA to negotiate with Haftar, which the Libyan Deputy PM disputed.

"No, Washington, sorry … did not say that they want us to talk with Haftar. Washington said that the political process should be peaceful."

The US has said they need Haftar to create stability in Libya.

The United Nations has imposed an arms embargo and called for an end to international intervention in Libya. 

 

The country has been in turmoil since a western-led coalition under a Security Council humanitarian resolution helped Libyan rebels to topple Muammar Gadhafi in 2011.

Militias

Since then, militias have been battling each other for control of the country’s resources.

"We had a clear program to clean up Tripoli and clean up Libya from all militias," Maiteeq said.

But the GNA government has struggled to control those militias and keep the economy moving forward.

The deputy prime minister said his government had stepped up oil production and stabilized the country’s currency, while battling Haftar, and the Islamic State.

"When the GNA government came to power the production of oil was just 120 barrels a day. Today we are talking about 1,200,000 barrels a day."

Sebastian challenged Maiteeq on the GNA’s cooperation with militias, some of which have been accused of significant human rights abuses.

"When the country is divided you have to work firstly and you have to have priorities. Which are our priorities, cleaning up the country from ISIS or fighting the militia?" Maiteeq asked.

International institutions such the World Bank have described "an open war" in Libya for power and wealth capture.

Reports, such as the Small Arms Survey, have documented the influence of militia groups in the North African country.

"The whole world stands by the GNA, politically … But under the table many of these countries are supporting this militia."

Migrants

Maiteeq said Libya had some 800,000 migrants in the country.  Many are seeking passage to Europe and become prey to human traffickers.

"We have a problem with our borders. We have a problem with refugees. We have a problem of illegal immigrants. … We cannot do it all at the same time," Maiteeq said.

"Libya alone cannot deal with immigrant issues," he added accusing the European Union of failing to keep its promises of assistance.

Maiteeq appealed to the international community for assistance, "We are an African nation, an Arab nation and a Mediterranean [nation]. And there is a responsibility that lies on our shoulders as the Government of Libya. But we are in a time of conflict. And that's why we need the international community to stand by us."