Libya signs $2 million lobbying deal as Trump warms to rival strongman
The UN-recognized Government of National Accord has signed a massive deal with Mercury Public Affairs as Khalifa Hifter’s forces threaten Tripoli.
![LIBYA-SECURITY/ Members of Libyan National Army (LNA) commanded by Khalifa Haftar, get ready before heading out of Benghazi to reinforce the troops advancing to Tripoli, in Benghazi, Libya April 13, 2019. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori - RC1B9C0FEEB0](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2019/05/RTX6RIW21.jpg/RTX6RIW21.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=yw8ZZpzD)
The UN-backed Libyan government has signed a $2 million deal with Mercury Public Affairs to lobby Congress and the Donald Trump administration just days after reports that the president backed rival Khalifa Hifter.
The Government of National Accord (GNA) signed the year-long contract on April 25, after reports that Trump had indicated support for Hifter’s march on Tripoli in a phone call with the eastern-based strongman. The contract calls for Mercury to be paid $500,000 per quarter in fees and expenses, with the first installment paid up front.