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Nouri Abusahmain
Nouri Abusahmain is a Libyan politician and a prominent figure in the Islamist faction of the 2014 Libyan Conflict. He is the founder of the LROR group, which is labeled as a "terrorist" organization by the internationally recognized Libyan parliament. Abusahmain is also known for allegedly rigging proceedings while serving as president of the General National Congress.
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NOURI ABUSAHMAIN
Nouri Abusahmain, born on October 25, 1956, emerged as a significant figure in Libyan politics during a time of intense national transition. Originally from Zuwarah, a Berber town in western Libya, Abusahmain's political journey began with his election to the General National Congress (GNC) as a representative for his hometown. Although he received some support from the Muslim Brotherhood’s Justice and Construction Party, he ran as an independent candidate and publicly downplayed any strong affiliation with the Brotherhood, seeking to establish himself as a moderate voice.
In June 2013, Abusahmain was elected president of the GNC, making him the first Libyan Berber to hold such a national leadership role since the brief existence of the Tripolitanian Republic nearly a century earlier. His ascent to the GNC presidency was widely viewed as a compromise, as he garnered backing from Islamist factions yet was still seen as acceptable by some liberal members of Congress. Upon assuming his role, he established the Libya Revolutionaries Operations Room (LROR), an Islamist-leaning armed group that would play a contentious role in Libyan politics. The LROR’s attempt at a coup in October 2013 and its alignment with Islamist objectives marked Abusahmain’s tenure with controversy, as did his restriction of certain GNC debates and inquiries that did not align with the Islamist faction’s priorities.
Abusahmain’s presidency also saw significant shifts in Libyan society, particularly after the GNC's decision in December 2013 to adopt sharia law. By early 2014, new policies mandating gender segregation and compulsory hijab in universities sparked criticism from women’s rights advocates, reflecting an ideological shift that polarized public opinion.
During his tenure, Abusahmain played a key role in the constitutional crisis surrounding the disputed election of Ahmed Maiteeq as prime minister in April 2014. In a highly charged GNC session, armed Islamist militants reportedly influenced proceedings, leading to Maiteeq’s controversial appointment despite objections from the Deputy Speaker, Justice Ministry, and Supreme Court. Abusahmain, however, signed the decree confirming Maiteeq, further intensifying political rifts within the government.
The establishment of Libya’s new House of Representatives on August 4, 2014, marked the end of Abusahmain’s term, with Abu Bakr Baira stepping in as interim head of the new parliament. His role as GNC president, along with his influence on national policies and alignment with Islamist factions, left a lasting impact on Libya’s evolving political landscape during a period of profound change.
GOVERNING TIME LINE
Nouri Abusahmain assumed the presidency of the General National Congress (GNC) of Libya on August 9, 2013, following his election as the head of the GNC, the body responsible for overseeing the transitional government after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. He served as the de facto head of state during a period of political instability and armed conflict in Libya.
Abusahmain's tenure ended on March 5, 2014, when he was removed from office by the newly elected House of Representatives, which was backed by a rival faction of militias. His departure came amid escalating political divisions, armed confrontations, and the increasing fragmentation of power in Libya. He was seen as a symbol of the GNC's failing authority and was succeeded by a new government aligned with a different faction in the ongoing Libyan conflict.