Libyans Protest Slow Government Transition

Protesters stormed a government office in Benghazi, when the head of the National Transitional Council (NTC), Mustafa Abdel Jalil was inside. The crowd smashed windows and demanded the resignation of the government. This was the most serious and angry show of violence since Muammar Gaddafi was ousted. Though the NTC has Western support, it is an unelected governing body that has not been making much progress in installing a new official government, and many Libyans believe the NTC members are too closely tied to the Gaddafi regime. ”We are going through a political movement that can take the country to a bottomless pit,” Jalil said. “There is something behind these protests that is not for the good of the country. The people have not given the government enough time and the government does not have enough money.” The protests in Benghazi are also particularly troubling to the NTC because it was the birth place of the revolution that toppled Gaddafi. The NTC is scheduled to unveil a new law that will pave the way for national assembly elections, which many hope will hasten the transition.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the deputy head of the NTC, Abdul Hafez Ghoga has submitted his resignation. Ghoga, who is also the official spokesperson of the NTC, has come under scrutiny for being an “opportunist,” based on his delayed defection from the Gaddafi regime. Protestors have also called for Jalil to step down, but he insists the NTC just needs more time.

Update: Jalil has suspended six members who represent the city of Benghazi in the transitional government. He has also appointed a council of religious leaders to investigate corruption charges amid accusations from protestors.