Protests Demanding Dbeibeh's Resignation Tighten Pressure on Libya's Unity Government

Asharq Al-Awsat

3 days ago

Widespread protests in Tripoli have escalated pressure on Libya's interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh to resign, following renewed unrest and clashes in the capital earlier this month. Demonstrators, mostly young people, blocked major roads and intersections leading to the government's headquarters on Al-Sikka Road, including areas such as Furnaj, Bifi, Zanata, Fashloum, and Yarmouk-Ganzour.
The protesters lit car tires on fire, shut down key thoroughfares, and chanted slogans calling for Dbeibeh's removal, denouncing the worsening economic and living conditions. Security forces were deployed to prevent the crowds from advancing toward the prime minister's office.
These nightly protests have become increasingly frequent, forming a mounting challenge to the Government of National Unity. Organizers have called for a major demonstration in Martyrs' Square this Friday, dubbing it a 'Friday of Rage.'
However, several human rights organizations and civil society figures condemned the use of vandalism during the protests, warning that damaging infrastructure undermines the legitimacy of the movement. The 'Sooq al-Jumaa Movement,' a key group behind the mobilization, denied involvement in acts of sabotage, saying: 'We oppose corruption and this government, but we are not in favor of destruction.' The group reiterated its support for peaceful protest and called for large-scale demonstrations focused on accountability, not chaos.
Public frustration has grown sharply over the presence and influence of armed militias in Tripoli, accused of turning the capital into a lawless zone. Citizens, including academics, lawyers, and doctors, issued a statement condemning the violence and accusing militias of forcing business closures, halting university classes, and intimidating civilians under the guise of civil disobedience.
They urged Dbeibeh and his interior minister to stop allowing Tripoli to become a 'ghost city,' calling on the government to dismantle the Special Deterrence Force and rein in militia groups led by internationally wanted figures such as Osama Njeim.
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry announced continued security operations in coordination with military units as part of the ceasefire implementation process.
In light of the fragile security situation, the Russian Embassy said Ambassador Aydar Aganin met with Mohamed al-Haddad, Chief of Staff of Dbeibeh-aligned forces, to discuss the need to maintain calm and prevent renewed conflict in the capital.