Libya government and army deny coup rumours

In a video posted on the Internet, Khalifa Haftar announced an “initiative” under which the interim authorities would be suspended. Both the prime minister and the head of the armed forces responded by pouring scorn on the idea of a coup d’etat.

Haftar commanded ground forces during the 2011 uprising that overthrew the 42-year dictatorship of Muammar Gaddafi.

“The command of the Libyan national army announces its initiative for a roadmap, that will be made public in the coming days” in consultation with different parties, Haftar said in the video. The initiative foresees the suspension of the General National Congress (GNC), Libya’s highest political authority, and the transitional government.

It also looks to the formation of a presidential commission headed by the president of the Higher Judicial Council.

“The Libyan national army has decided to act... not in order to govern but to prepare the proper conditions” for elections, Haftar said. After Haftar’s video was released, rumours quickly spread on social networks that a coup may be in the offing.

“It’s a lie. The situation is under control and there is no suspect movement,” the army chief of staff’s spokesman Colonel Ali Al Shikhi said.