LIBYA DESK
Unable to meet with Starmer, Dabaiba met with National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Lord Falconer, while no engagement took place with senior cabinet members such as Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
According to sources briefed on the matter, during his meetings, Dabaiba, who leads the Government of National Unity (GNU), allegedly reiterated his assertion that he intends to consolidate full control over Tripoli by the end of the year.
Although a ceasefire agreement remains in place between the GNU and the Rada Special Deterrence Force, he reportedly continues to signal to foreign counterparts that the potential for renewed conflict has not been ruled out.
In turn, British officials reportedly cautioned against any escalation and urged restraint. London also underscored that the GNU should not impede the movement of foreign ambassadors seeking to visit Benghazi to engage with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) and other eastern actors.
UK representatives stressed that such restrictions hinder diplomatic outreach and broader international stabilisation efforts.
Dabaiba’s inability to secure high-level meetings in London underscores both his waning international standing and growing frustration among foreign partners with the GNU’s management of political and security affairs.