The UN warned Thursday against "provocation" in Libya that could lead to clashes, citing reports of armed elements mobilizing around the capital Tripoli, as rival governments compete for power.

Tensions have simmered since the country's parliament swore in a prime minister earlier this month in a challenge to interim premier Abdulhamid Dbeibah.

Dbeibah has refused to hand over power to Fathi Bashagha, an ex-interior minister named by parliament as premier, and says he is the country's rightful steward until elections are held. 

The UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed concern on Twitter over "reports about the mobilization of forces and movement of large convoys of armed groups that have increased tensions in and around Tripoli."

"The need to abstain from provocative actions"

For her part, Stephanie Williams, UN Chief Antonio Guterres' Special Adviser on Libya, tweeted "I urge restraint and the need to abstain from provocative actions, in word and deed, including the mobilization of forces."

I urge restraint and the need to abstain from provocative actions, in word and deed, including the mobilization of forces. I renew my offer to utilize the good offices of the United Nations to mediate and assist Libyans in finding a consensual way forward. https://t.co/RCx7N4cOSZ

— Stephanie Turco Williams (@SASGonLibya) March 10, 2022

"I renew my offer to utilize the good offices of the United Nations to mediate and assist Libyans in finding a consensual way forward," she added.

Several resignations from the Libyan National Unity Government

Dbeibah was appointed early last year following a landmark 2020 ceasefire with a mandate to lead the country to elections that were due to take place in December 2021.  

His appointment initially generated hopes that the country could move beyond a decade of conflict following the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi. 

However, disputes over the constitutional and legal basis of those elections and the presence of controversial candidates led to the vote being indefinitely postponed. 

Earlier, several ministers in the Libyan National Unity Government - headed by Dbeibah - announced their resignation from their positions in respect to Bashagha's appointment as the new prime minister of the country, confirming the handing over of the ministry to the new government.