Libya's unity government heads towards marginalisation

Significance

The coup leader, former Prime Minister Khalifa al-Ghwell, declared himself to be in control of Tripoli on October 14. The coup attempt did not result in a transfer of power or a significant confrontation.

Impacts

• The UN will insist that the unity government is the only way forward.
• However, the GNA will find it difficult to win wide support without a deal on matters such as the future of army leader Khalifa Haftar.
• The GNA's legitimacy will also be tested as long as it pursues aims of its UN backers that do not align with Libyans' priorities.