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By Hadi Fornaji.
Tunis, 8 February 2017:
In one of the biggest political gatherings in south since the revolution, leaders from across Fezzan are taking part in a two-day meeting at Tamanhint airbase near Sebha to air their concerns and grievances with the region’s members of the House of Representatives.
The meetings started today with municipal representatives meeting Fezzan HoR members, most of whom are currently boycotting the parliament over what they see as discrimination by the country’s institutions.
The agenda included the electricity crisis in the south, the four-year old promise of a oil refinery in Obari, better telecommunications and internet coverage in the region, the reopening of Sebha airport, housing needs, and financial support for the municipalities.
Tomorrow, Thursday, the HoR members are due to meet with civil society organsiations (CSOs) in what is expected to be a more heated gathering. It is reported that many of those from the local CSOs are losing patience with the HoR, claiming that lcoal members have done nothing for Fezzan. There is talk of a “movement for the south” being formed.
Also expected to be aired are a replacement for Musa Koni who resigned from the Presidency Council, Fezzan’s proportion of ministers within the government of national accord, whether or not to continue backing the Libyan Political Agreement, and the region’s position within a united Libya.
Just a small handful of HoR members have absented themselves from the gathering. They include Mohamed Ajdeed from Sebha and Ali Saadi from Wadi Shaati. They are reported to want to end the southern boycoitt and plan to turn up the next HoR session on Monday regardless of what is said or decided at Tamenhint.
