Tribal leaders and a political faction declared autonomy for an eastern region of Lybia, but Abdel Jalil said, ‘We are not prepared to divide Libya,’ and called on leaders in the eastern Cyrenaica region to engage in dialogue saying infiltrators and remnants of Gaddafi's regime wanted to exploit them. He said he was ready to deter opposition with force. ‘The national charter contains provisions that protect this nation and it is like a constitution for Libya's future.’ Some tribal and political leaders in the oil-rich east are trying to carve out a semi-autonomous territory and have called for a federal system of governance. From 1951 to 1963 the country was split into three states-Cyrenaica, Tripolitania and Fezzan. Advocates of a return to federalism believe it prevents the east from being marginalised as was the case for decades, while opponents fear the initiative will split the country and stand in the way of reconciliation.
Pray: for God to help the leaders to faithfully represent Libya’s interests in this sensitive period. (Ps.33:10,11)