Exclusive – Wafiq Safa’s Branch: No Coordination, No Connection with the “Party” (By Charles Azar)
Recently, it has become evident that Wafiq Safa, who was supposed to be responsible for coordination and liaison between various parties, is now in a situation reflecting internal chaos. Although he is considered part of the security leadership within the “Party,” his behavior and actions suggest that he has lost coordination and connection with the organization. He now moves as if he has detached himself from the official leadership. Many observers view his actions as an indication of a significant shift in his role within the party, raising many questions about his political future.
It is noticeable that Safa has begun to act in ways that do not align with the political directives issued by the Party’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, or the head of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, MP Mohammad Raad. His behavior has significantly deviated from the party’s established frameworks, as he frequently challenges or undermines political messages being conveyed. This has led to speculation about his true intentions, which increasingly resemble an internal coup.
Interestingly, Safa appears to be attempting to form his own faction within the party, seeking to secure the loyalty of certain groups, particularly among the youth in the southern suburbs. Reports suggest that he pays special attention to youth groups known for loitering in the streets and riding motorcycles. He believes these groups could help him achieve his ambitions, strengthening his base within the party and allowing him to push for opinions that stray from traditional political practices.
One of the most striking moments that highlighted tensions within the party was when Safa proposed blocking the airport road, which led to an attack on a UNIFIL convoy and public property. This move angered the party’s leadership, which swiftly issued an official statement condemning the incident and calling on the Lebanese army to intervene firmly. However, Safa quickly acted through his network of loyal journalists and managed to have the statement withdrawn from circulation, showcasing his influence on the ground and his ability to shape events within the party.
While the party’s leadership was carefully managing political statements and supporting the Lebanese government, Safa and his group launched attacks on high-ranking political figures via social media, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. While Mohammad Raad was granting confidence to the government, Safa was actively using the platform “X” through a well-known network of journalists to insult and criticize the government, even though the party itself participates in the government with two ministers.
As tensions escalate, Safa now feels that his disruptive groups are under the watchful eye of security agencies, especially after the party withdrew its protection from some of his associates. These ongoing investigations have placed him in a difficult position, leaving him with two options: either return to obeying the party’s political directives and align with its policies, or pursue a new course by running in the upcoming parliamentary elections. This latter option has been increasingly discussed within the party as a way to contain his influence and place him within an official framework under the supervision of the parliamentary bloc.
It is now clear that Wafiq Safa is experiencing a political disconnect from the party’s leadership, seeking to build his own influence within the organization, even if it means challenging the party’s policies and directives. The coming period will likely be decisive in determining his future, whether within the party or outside it, depending on his personal choices and ongoing internal disputes with the official leadership.