A year ago, Libya looked to be on a fragile path towards democracy after more than a decade of civil war. Now, it appears to be sliding back towards strife and division.
After tentative steps towards unity, the country is once again being pulled apart with two rival prime ministers claiming power.
The first signs of serious trouble emerged late last year when presidential elections scheduled for December 24 were postponed indefinitely. Underlying the delay was disagreement over eligible candidates and the ground rules for holding the vote.
The election had been intended to replace a transitional government formed a year ago and headed by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. On February 10, the parliament appointed Fathi Bashagha, a former interior minister, to form a new government. It said elections should be held within 14 months.
Dbeibah refused to step aside, pledging to hold on to power until elections take place.
Back to square one
For many Libyans and observers, it looks like a return to parallel governments is imminent, with the possibility of more fighting. Libya has been racked by conflict since the NATO-backed Arab Spring uprising toppled former ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
The country was for years split between rival administrations in the east and west, each supported by militias and foreign governments.
Attempts by the international community to help unify the country were thwarted as powerful Libyan parties and their foreign backers refused to compromise. Elections were delayed after a failure to reach a consensus on election laws or even on who should be eligible to run. A series of UN envoys to the country left office frustrated at Libyan parties’ unwillingness to cede power and funds accumulated during the war.