This weekend’s surprise return of Abdelhakim Belhaj, a former Islamist fighter, to Libya has been coordinated with the country’s outgoing prime minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, multiple sources told The Libya Update.
After spending the past few years living in Qatar, the 55-year-old landed in Tripoli on Thursday night, and escorted from Mitiga Airport by convoy of Dbeibeh-affiliated forces, The Libya Update learned from multiple sources, which requested anonymity for safety concerns.
According to the sources, Belhaj is going to meet Sadiq Al-Ghariani, Libya’s Grand Mufti who was ousted from his post by parliament but still enjoy’s the backing of Tripoli-based government. Much like Belhaj, Al-Ghariani reportedly has close ties to Qatar.
Sources claimed that the former Islamist fighter will also meet with Dbeibeh to coordinate on a plan to “evacuate Tripoli from hostile forces.”
Belhaj’s return comes amid political turmoil in the country caused by power transition rivalry between Fathi Bashagha and Dbeibeh.
The parliament had chosen former interior minister Bashagha by a vote last February. However, the incumbent, Dbeibeh, has rejected the parliament’s moves, saying he will only relinquish power after a national election.
Bashagha and Dbeibah, both from Misurata and both candidates for the aborted presidential poll, have the support of rival armed groups in the west.
Many view Belhaj’s return as a sign of escalation since the Islamist fighter is known for being a notorious member the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), a terrorist group which has had ties to Al-Qaeda.