Mufti raises alarm over alleged plan to appoint Saddam Haftar

Libya’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Al-Sadiq Al-Gharyani, has issued a strong warning against what he described as an “ominous initiative” reportedly linked to efforts to appoint Saddam Haftar as head of the Presidential Council.

In remarks that underscore growing political tensions, Al-Gharyani called on the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity to reject any such arrangement outright. He urged adherence to previous commitments that authority should only be transferred through elections.

The Mufti argued that accepting the proposal would risk opening the door to foreign influence over Libya’s natural resources. He claimed that international actors could seek to gain control over shares of the country’s oil sector through private companies, before withdrawing from the political scene.

Al-Gharyani also referenced the legacy of Libya’s recent conflict, pointing to what he described as the “bloody past” of the Haftar family. He said the impact of the war on Tripoli remains evident, noting that unexploded landmines continue to pose a threat to civilians.

He dismissed suggestions that ongoing discussions could lead to an end to parallel public spending, describing such claims as misleading and intended to placate public opinion. He further questioned the reliability of rival political factions, citing past incidents including restrictions on the prime minister’s movements in eastern Libya.

The Mufti warned that similar constraints could emerge elsewhere if the reported arrangement were to proceed.

Al-Gharyani also expressed support for positions taken by the High Council of State and the “Ya Baladi” movement, both of which have voiced opposition to the reported initiative. He urged Libyans to remain cautious of foreign-backed proposals, which he said could undermine national sovereignty.

His comments come amid heightened debate over potential political settlements and power-sharing arrangements in Libya, with concerns among some factions about the re-emergence of centralised rule and the role of armed groups within any future governance framework.

The developments highlight the continued fragility of Libya’s political landscape, as competing visions for the country’s future remain deeply contested.