The rival government in eastern Libya has submitted its resignation after a number of protests over deteriorating living conditions and corruption.
Over the weekends demonstrators in the city of Benghazi set fire to strongman Gen Khalifa Haftar’s headquarters.
They also clashed with in his stronghold of Al-Maj for the first time.
Libya has been torn by violence since long-time ruler Col Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011 by forces backed by Nato.
A spokesman of Gen Haftar said the administration backed peaceful protests but would not allow “terrorists and the Muslim Brotherhood” to hijack them.
Until now, protests against the situation in Libya has focused on the capital, Tripoli, which is home to the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).
Gen Haftar’s forces launched an offensive to seize Tripoli in April 2019 but military support from Turkey assisted government forces drive Gen Haftar’s Russian-backed troops back from the frontlines earlier this year.
Gen Haftar is also backed by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, while the GNA enjoys the support of Turkey, Gatar and Italy.
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