Libya: Restoring security and economy; key expectations of new govt

Calm is gradually returning to Libya as the new unity government seeks to restore peace in the country which has been in turmoil since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

The new unity government has a hard task of restoring peace to a country divided by war.

Prime Minister of the unity goverment, Fayez al-Sarraj has made significant progress in his bid to unite the various factions.

The citizens expect the new government to do more than just uniting the factions.

“We hope that the unity government will guarantee security and bring economic prosperity, God willing,” Issam al-Saadi, a Tripoli resident said.

The Economist Intelligence Unit says #Libya's economy will shrink faster than that of any other country in 2016: https://t.co/Vkx30YhwL1

— LBBC (@LBBCnews) April 8, 2016

Libya has had a rough run since its long time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed in 2011. It has been overrun by militias and has also seen the Islamic State gain grounds in parts of the country.

The citizens also want a general improvement in their lives.

“The main problem we face as citizens is the high cost of living,” another Libyan Mohammed Bedaiwi added.

Experts say reconciling all the factions in the power struggle will not be an easy task.

But the unity government with the backing of the Central bank has called on officials of the rival administrations to respect its instructions regarding financial matters.

The confirmation of the unity government, backed by a majority of Libya’s MPs is expected to happen soon.