Can Mass Protests Force Political Change in Libya?
Frustrated by worsening living conditions, economic mismanagement, and growing insecurity, demonstrators continue to voice their anger in one of the capital's most visible public displays in recent years.
Protesters carried banners accusing the government of corruption and failing to provide basic services. Many called for the disbanding of armed groups operating outside state control and urged their integration into a unified national army. They argue that the unchecked proliferation of weapons, particularly in western Libya, continues to undermine stability and fuel lawlessness.
Adding momentum to the gathering, fans of Al-Ahli Tripoli Sports Club joined the demonstration after greeting their handball team at Mitiga International Airport following its victory in the Libyan Cup. Their chants, including 'The people want the government to fall,' echoed the core demands of the protest movement.
The wave of unrest began in mid-May following violent clashes in Tripoli after the killing of Abdulghani al-Kikli, the former head of the Stability Support Apparatus.
The incident sparked days of deadly confrontations, with significant casualties and damage to both public and private property. The unrest exposed deep fractures within the security apparatus and intensified calls for genuine reform.
Demonstrators remain united in their demand for a new government capable of restoring security, organizing long-delayed elections, and addressing mounting economic hardships. Despite public pressure, the Dbaiba administration has yet to offer a meaningful response.
Analysts warn that the sustained protests could mark a pivotal moment in Libya's post-2011 transition. The scale and persistence of public mobilization are being seen as a serious challenge to the government's legitimacy. With no clear resolution in sight, the pressure on political leaders, both in Tripoli and in the east, is expected to grow. Tags: Abdul Hamid DbaibalibyaPrime MinisterProteststripoli
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
6 hours ago
- Libya Review
Did Libya's Tripoli Government Hold Secret Talks with Israel on Displacing Palestinians?
A report by the Middle East Eye (MEE) has revealed that a senior figure in Libya's UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) has been engaged in secret talks with Israeli officials regarding the potential resettlement of Palestinians expelled from Gaza. According to Middle East Eye (MEE) , the discussions were led by Ibrahim Dbaiba, the national security adviser for his cousin, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba. Multiple Libyan, Arab and European sources told the outlet that the talks were being conducted quietly, without parliamentary knowledge, due to Libya's strongly pro-Palestinian public opinion. According to MEE, a source said 'practical talks' had already taken place, though no clear implementation mechanism had been agreed. Reports suggest that the United States offered Libya economic incentives, including the release of $30bn in frozen state assets, if it accepted displaced Palestinians. The revelations come as Israel continues to float ideas of relocating Gaza's population, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently saying that his government was in contact with 'several countries' over the issue. Israel's Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter even singled out Libya as an 'ideal destination' for Gazans. The proposal has sparked alarm. Analysts warn that transferring Palestinians to Libya – a country fractured by civil war, rival governments and militia rule – could be catastrophic, pushing desperate families into further instability or risky migration routes across the Mediterranean. GNU officials have strongly denied involvement. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba recently said his government 'categorically rejects' any role in what he called the 'crime' of displacing Palestinians, stressing Libya's refusal to normalise ties with Israel. Middle East Eye also claimed that Libya's rival eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar was approached with similar proposals, though he too denied involvement. With Libya already deeply divided, observers say any complicity in Israel's controversial relocation plans could trigger widespread public anger. Tags: Abdel-Hamid DbaibaDisplacementGazaIsraellibyaPalestine
Libya Review
a day ago
- Libya Review
Former Army Chief Appointed as Libya's Top Security Official
Lieutenant-General Abdel-Razek Al-Nadhouri, the former Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army (LNA), was sworn in on Tuesday as Libya's new National Security Advisor before the House of Representatives during a formal session held in Benghazi. The ceremony was preceded by a speech from Speaker Ageela Saleh, who hailed Al-Nadhouri's decades-long service to the country. Saleh described him as a 'brave soldier and loyal patriot who sacrificed his life, wealth, and family for Libya,' highlighting his role alongside Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar in launching Operation Dignity in 2014, a pivotal campaign that reshaped the security and political balance in eastern Libya. Saleh credited Al-Nadhouri, Haftar, and what he called 'the sacrifices of courageous Libyan youth' for laying the groundwork for the relative stability seen in several regions today. He underlined that entrusting Al-Nadhouri with the position of National Security Advisor, regarded as 'the highest security office in the country' signals parliament's full confidence in his ability to protect Libya against 'plots, threats, and conspiracies.' The appointment comes at a critical juncture. Libya remains divided between rival governments in Benghazi and Tripoli, while insecurity persists due to the presence of armed groups, cross-border smuggling networks, and foreign interference. Tags: Abdel Razek Al NadhouribenghazilibyaparliamentSecurity Advisor
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Libya Review
Libyan Parliament Approves Military Law Amendment
Libyan Parliament Amends Army Leadership Law Libyan Parliament Appoints Al-Nathouri as National Security Advisor The Libyan House of Representatives resumed its official session on Monday at its headquarters in Benghazi, chaired by Speaker Aqeela Saleh, with the participation of First Deputy Speaker Fawzi Al-Nuwairi and Second Deputy Speaker Misbah Douma. During the session, lawmakers discussed a proposal submitted by more than 70 members to amend Law No. (1) of 2015, concerning the powers of military leadership levels within the Libyan Army. The amendment was unanimously approved. In another key decision, the parliament unanimously voted to appoint Field Marshal Abdelrazek Al-Nadhouri as National Security Advisor, a move considered one of the most significant outcomes of the session. The House also reviewed the Public Debt Law, referring it to the Constitutional and Legislative Committee, as well as the Planning, Finance, and General Budget Committee for further study. Under the 'Any Other Business' agenda item, lawmakers addressed the country's ongoing electricity crisis. The parliament tasked the Energy and Natural Resources Committee with holding a meeting that will include the Speaker of the House, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Electricity, and several specialists. The committee is expected to submit a detailed report with practical proposals to resolve the crisis. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: benghazilibyaLibyan armyLibyan parliament
