Libya plans to propose a new unity government within 10 days

Libya plans to propose a new unity government within 10 days, after the internationally recognized parliament rejected a unity government on Monday, proposed under a United Nations-backed plan to resolve the country’s political crisis.

According to a government official, the revamped government will be smaller unlike the the rejected one which had 32 ministers.

Still, the internationally recognized parliament will have to vote for this new government.

It will also be an uphill task to balance the new smaller government among different regions and multiple political groups in the country.

Taking note of the rejection expressed Monday the head of the UN mission to Libya, Martin Kobler, urged officials to make the decision as soon as possible.

Since 2014, Libya has had two competing parliaments and governments, one based in Tripoli and the other in Tobruk in the east of the country.

Both are backed by loose alliances of armed groups and former rebels.

Western powers hope a unity government will deliver stability and be able to tackle a growing threat from Islamic State militants.

The jihadists have used this power vacuum to take control the city of Sirte which is 450 km east of Tripoli and its surroundings.

Estimates indicate that the group has around 3,000 fighters and is responsible for attacks at the Ras Lanuf oil terminal earlier this month.

The oil-rich country was plunged into chaos since the end of the revolt that ended the regime of Muammar Gaddafi in late 2011.