On 24 December, Government of National Unity (GNU) Prime Minister Abdul Hameed Dabaiba opened a modernized administrative complex in Bani Walid as part of his ‘Return to Life’ programme. After the opening ceremony, a heated argument broke out between Dabaiba and members of the city’s Social Council over the re-establishment of the Bani Walid Military Guard and the release of political prisoners.
Some representatives of the city demanded an apology for the ‘war against Bani Walid’ – the attack on the city by militias from Misrata and Tripoli that led to its bloody capture after a siege in October 2012. In addition, they said all armed forces not from Bani Walid would have to leave the city. In the course of protests against Dabaiba in front of the building, green flags were waved and pictures of Saif al-Islam al-Qadhafi were held up.