Saeed Wanis, head of the National Security Committee at the Higher Council of State, warned that the easy creation of new regions in Libya could fuel local rivalries and threaten the country’s unity. Speaking to the Fawasel platform, Wanis said this approach might encourage various social groups to demand the inclusion of municipalities into independent regions.
He cautioned that such a move could create a new reality that promotes regionalism at the expense of the unified national state. Wanis stressed that oversimplifying fundamental issues related to the country’s structure and unity puts Libya’s future at risk and could lay the groundwork for long-term fragmentation.
He described the step as extremely sensitive, especially given the nation’s exceptional circumstances. According to Wanis, even moves carried out under the banner of economic or developmental planning and coordination remain highly delicate at this time.
Wanis noted that Libya is still in a transitional phase governed by a temporary constitutional declaration. He pointed out ongoing institutional divisions and significant legislative shortcomings, especially regarding the local governance system.
Wanis warned that the creation of new regions, while the state cannot exert full control over its territory, poses real risks to Libya’s national security. He said the plan could open the door to negative foreign interference, either directly or by exploiting local and regional divisions.
He called for a pause and urged a thorough national review of the plan to assess its potential long-term political, security, and social consequences.