Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, in his role as Minister of Defence, said the military should not interfere in politics or government formation—thereby preserving Libyans' right to choose their political future of their own free will.
Aldabaiba was speaking last Sunday (9 August) at a graduation ceremony for new cohorts of military academy and college cadets at the Naval Studies Academy in Janzour.
The event marked the 86th anniversary of the founding of the Libyan Army. It was attended by the Supreme Commander of the Libyan Army and Head of the Presidential Council, Mohamed al-Menfi; Presidential Council member Abdalla al-Lafi; Chief of the General Staff General Salah al-Din al-Namroush; as well as various chiefs of staff, commanders of military zones and units, and senior Libyan Army officers.
Hafter: Necessity for the army to occupy a central position in decision-making
Aldabaiba’s view contrasts markedly with Hafter’s view in eastern Libya.
Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, commander of the "General Command," for his part, emphasized "the necessity for the army to occupy a central position in decision-making," citing the need to "safeguard the country's supreme interest, preserve the Armed Forces' achievements, and ensure they remain inviolable."
Hafter made these remarks during a ceremony organized by the "General Command" on Sunday, at the ‘‘Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar Military City’’ in Benghazi. The event also marked the 86th anniversary of the founding of the Libyan Army and was attended by the Deputy Commander of the "General Command," General Saddam Haftar; the Chief of the General Staff, General Khaled Haftar; and various military officers and commanders.
Army should remain subject to the state and the rule of law
In contrast, in his address, Aldabaiba emphasised that unifying the military institution is an urgent necessity. He stressed the importance of building a unified national army—one that protects Libya and its sovereignty while remaining subject to the state and the rule of law.
This, Aldabaiba continued, is to be achieved by unifying command, decision-making, and military doctrine, and by developing training and qualification systems, ultimately creating a single army grounded in competence and discipline, without excluding any military personnel who abide by the law.
Era of war must end; political disputes cannot be resolved through armed force
The Tripoli Prime Minister and Minister of Defence went on to underscore the heavy price Libya has paid due to division and war. He asserted that the era of war must end, that political disputes cannot be resolved through armed force, and that state resources must be directed toward construction, development, and improving citizens' lives.
Aldabaiba explained that the army's strength lies in its professionalism, unity, and discipline. Its mission is to protect the homeland, borders, and sovereignty, and to ensure security—without interfering in politics or government formation—thereby preserving the Libyans' right to choose their future of their own free will.