Libya Sees Controversy Over Emergence of Unrecognized "Third Government" in Geneva

A new assembly of previously unknown Libyan political figures appeared in Geneva, Switzerland, declaring the selection of a head for a so-called "third government," an announcement that has generated widespread controversy and ridicule. Some observers viewed the move as an attempt to position themselves within the upcoming political settlement by disrupting the ongoing UN and US-led processes.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya quickly denied any involvement with the meetings or the organizers of the Geneva gathering. This is notable given that the mission had previously played a role in facilitating political negotiations among Libyan factions under international and UN auspices. The 2021 Geneva agreement resulted in the formation of a unified executive authority, comprising the government led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and the Presidential Council headed by Mohamed al-Menfi.

Participants in the Geneva political forum, along with those behind the initiative, announced the appointment of Mustafa al-Majdoub as the head of a unified Libyan government, as they termed it. The preparatory committee, which includes 60 members from Libya’s three regions—20 representatives per region—comprises political parties and civil society organizations. Their stated objective is to develop a national political vision to pave the way for a new phase.

The organizers claimed their initiative was based on an independent Libyan will and centered on national dialogue, deliberately distancing themselves from international initiatives.

Mustafa al-Majdoub requested a four-month period from the Political Dialogue Committee to work on unifying Libya and its institutions. He also pledged to reduce the dollar exchange rate to four dinars and indicated that his government would be a small cabinet without deputy ministers.

Al-Majdoub previously served as commander of the infantry brigade within the Government of National Accord led by Fayez al-Sarraj. He reemerged politically during Dbeibeh’s government after submitting his candidacy for the 2021 presidential elections.

Recently, al-Majdoub has presented himself on his verified official page as holding advanced academic qualifications, including a doctorate in law and a master's degree in economics, though he has not disclosed the universities where he completed these degrees.

Other Libyan figures involved in the Geneva meeting remain largely unknown. Among them are members of what is called the International Preparatory Mission and the International Non-Governmental Organization for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime, based in Geneva and chaired by Libyan politician Abdel Baset al-Qadi.

The head of the National Movement Party, Leila bin Khalifa, also participated in the Geneva meetings. She declared her intention to run for Libya’s presidency and submitted her candidacy documents to the National Elections Commission. She was later announced as the foreign minister in the proposed government.

Libyan researcher Omar al-Jabali al-Obaidi criticized the Geneva meeting for including unknown figures lacking any popular base or legal legitimacy. He noted that the gathering resulted in the claim of appointing a new prime minister, Mustafa al-Majdoub.

In a statement to "Iram News," al-Obaidi described the move as occurring without any consensus or coordination with influential actors on the ground in Libya. He also highlighted the clear disregard for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, which usually oversees dialogue tracks through Security Council resolutions such as Resolution 2510.

Activists argue that Libya currently requires not a change in names but a change in approach, the consolidation of state institutions, ending division, and unifying national efforts to build a stable state capable of meeting its citizens’ aspirations.

This development coincides with intense US diplomatic activity aimed at forming a unified executive authority, contrasting with the stalled UN-led process. The "4+4" committee track has entered its fourth month without a final agreement, despite repeated announcements of understandings reached regarding the reformation of the High National Elections Commission and consensus on the presidential election law. These understandings have yet to materialize into a signed agreement that would facilitate the formation of a unified government.