On 3 April, Libyan National Army’s (LNA) Southern Military Region Commander Major General Mabrouk Sahban said that any armed formation that does not follow the LNA General Command in the southern region will be dealt with using all force. There is no military body outside the LNA.
The same day, a statement was released by several ‘security and military leaders’ from southern Libya criticizing the recent visit of Chief of Staff of the LNA Ground Forces Saddam Haftar to Sebha. The leaders expressed discontent with Haftar holding closed-door meetings to formulate a security plan without involving local officials or officers from the region. They deemed this behavior unacceptable and counterproductive, as it fosters distrust and deepens divisions. The statement criticized the disregard for the experienced military personnel in the Fezzan region, which has over 5,000 capable soldiers. This is seen as disrespectful to their national contributions and military history. Moreover, it urged the establishment of a national army based on hierarchy and loyalty to the nation, rather than personal allegiances. The ‘security and military leaders’ emphasized the importance of acknowledging the south’s role in Libya’s security and development while advocating for serious efforts to address their concerns.