(Author: Libyan Gazette Editorial Staff)
Despite an attempted coup, Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al-Sarraj attended a graduation ceremony for policemen on Monday at the interior ministry’s headquarters in Tripoli, according to a tweet made from the unity government’s Twitter account.
Tension continues to rise in the Libyan capital as checkpoints begin to appear around Tripoli as rival brigades attempt to establish control.
The General National Congress (GNC) attempted a coup on Friday after storming the offices of the High Council of State, a legislative advisory council to the Libyan unity government (GNA), in the Rixos Hotel
Clashes triggered by Friday’s coup continued throughout the weekend.
“We did not see any city, municipality, or political party supporting this desperate attempt,” said Fathi Bashagha, who coordinates security forces loyal to the GNA.
“What has happened is unfortunate and disgusting. It is an individual cause that represents no group,” he added.
The GNC has positioned armed men and military vehicles in front of the Rixos hotel, which resulted in many shop owners in the area keeping their doors shut.
However, on Monday it was business as usual in central Tripoli, aside from the area near Rixos Hotel.
Residents of Tripoli reported an exchange of gunfire in the Zawiyat Dahmani neighbourhood over the weekend. No deaths or injuries have been reported from these clashes.
Also on Monday, Hanna Salah a senior researcher with the Human Rights Watch reported that “one killed (and) seven injured, including children, after indiscriminate shelling near Al-Fallah camp for displaced people from Tawergha.”
“Saddened by civilian casualties, including children in Tripoli and Benina. My thought are with them and their families,” said Martin Kobler, the UN’s special envoy to Libya. “Unity is important for (a) safe Libya.”
