Latest news with #Dbeibeh
Asharq Al-Awsat
5 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Protests Demanding Dbeibeh's Resignation Tighten Pressure on Libya's Unity Government
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.
The National
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Egypt urges citizens to shelter amid protests and deadly clashes in Tripoli
Egypt has warned its citizens in Libya to stay in their homes and remain in contact with the foreign ministry in light of renewed clashes that have erupted in the capital of Tripoli between two powerful armed groups. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday that it was closely following the developments in Libya with 'great interest and worry'. It urged both sides to implement 'the highest degree of self-control' and to put the interest of their people first. Hundreds of thousands of Egyptian migrant workers reside in various parts of Libya, with 163,510 Egyptians – accounting for 20 per cent of all migrants in the country – according to a December migrant report from the International Organisation for Migration. However, some estimates suggest the number may be even higher. Protests erupted in Tripoli on Friday, with hundreds of Libyans calling for the ousting of Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibeh, who has headed the UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) since 2021. After gathering in Tripoli's Martyrs' Square chanting anti-Dbeibeh slogans, the protesters convened outside the main government building in the city's centre. Televised footage showed the protesters carrying banners with Dbeibeh's face crossed out in red. In a statement on Friday, Dbeibeh mourned the loss of a security official who lost his life while attempting to thwart what was described as an attempt by protesters to storm the government building. The GNU said it respected the protesters' right to express their opinions and attributed the more violent aspects of the protests to a nefarious militant group that had embedded itself among the protesters. It thanked the city's police officials for 'protecting the protesters and maintaining public order'. In response to widespread reports that multiple ministers had resigned from Dbeibeh's government in sympathy with protesters, the GNU denied these claims on Friday, asserting that all government ministers remained in their positions. Almost 15 years after the ouster of Muammar Qaddafi and the emergence of rival administrations in 2014, Libya remains divided between the internationally recognised GNU based in Tripoli and the Government of National Stability (GNS) in the east. While eastern Libya has been dominated for a decade by commander Khalifa Haftar and his Libyan National Army, control in Tripoli and western Libya has been splintered among numerous armed factions. Friday's protests followed a week of heightened tensions in the Libyan capital, where repeated clashes between rival armed groups have disrupted public peace and caused the deaths and injuries of civilians. Clashes broke out on Monday in several parts of Tripoli following heightened tensions between the various armed groups operating in the city, according to a statement from the United Nations' Libya mission. The fighting, which erupted in response to the killing of the powerful militia head Abdelghani Al Kikli, has involved the firing of heavy artillery weapons in densely populated neighbourhoods, with the UN confirming that eight civilians have thus far been killed. A ceasefire agreement announced by the GNU came into effect on Wednesday and calmed the fighting, however, fears that the situation will escalate again remain.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Libya Throws Huge, Dangerous Wrench in Trump's Mass Deportation Plan
President Donald Trump is planning to send a planeful of deportees to Libya—but both of Libya's governments say they won't take them, The Washington Post reported Wednesday. Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, the prime minister for the Government of National Unity based in Tripoli, wrote on social media that 'Libya refuses to be a destination for the deportation of migrants under any pretext.' Dbeibeh said that Libya would not be held to any agreements made by 'illegitimate entities.' The Libyan National Army, which controls the eastern half of the country from Benghazi, also released a statement rejecting the arrival of deportees from the United States, saying that accepting deportees would 'violate sovereignty in the homeland.' While the U.S. government only has foreign relations with Dbeibeh's government, the son of Khalifa Haftar, the general turned warlord in the east, visited with Trump administration officials last month. The meetings were not about deportations, according to the State Department and a Libyan official, CNN reported. It's not clear that any formal deal was made to facilitate the removal of immigrants to a potentially hostile host country. Libya's migrant detention centers are notorious for subjecting detainees to severe beatings, sexual violence, extortion, and forced labor, according to a 2021 report from Amnesty International. Lawyers for immigrants currently held in Texas have asked a judge for an emergency order barring any potential deportations to Libya. The lawyers argued that carrying out such a flight without warning would 'blatantly' violate court orders. Previous reports said that a military plane potentially carrying hundreds of immigrants could depart for Libya as soon as Wednesday, so it's entirely possible that wheels are already up on the latest phase of Trump's inhumane mass deportation crusade.
Libya Observer
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Weekly News Roundup: Friday, May 02, 2025
Trump's administration eyes sending migrants with criminal records to Libya El Sonni causes Western outrage over 'Holocaust' remark on Gaza Libya urges calm amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan Iraqi deputy PM delivers Arab Summit invitation during Tripoli visit Libya suspends scholarships, shuts 25 embassies UNSMIL, US call for avoiding unilateral actions in Libya Menfi gives HNEC 30 days to start referendum on draft constitution Presidential Council issues 3 decrees without unanimous agreement Libya, Turkey discuss revival of projects frozen since 2011 Al-Hilal and Al-Ahly Tripoli top their groups in Libyan football league Al-Sweihli wins African Volleyball Championship Al-Baour receives Egyptian Foreign Ministry delegation in Tripoli NOC reiterates commitment to governance and oversight Dbeibeh removes Abu Janah from overseeing Health Ministry over Iraqi cancer drug shipment HNEC holds training workshop on electoral disputes Al-Lafi discusses reconciliation with eastern IDPs Tetteh meets South Korean ambassador to discuss Libya's political situation Turkey and Italy pledge continued cooperation to stabilise Libya CBL Governor meets Turkish Trade Minister Japan looks to partnerships in Libya's oil sector Tetteh reviews with Al-Sayeh preparations for second group of municipal elections Shakshak holds talks with Turkish Ambassador UNSMIL: Hate speech leads to war and crimes such as genocide Dbeibah discusses cooperation with Russia Saddam Haftar meets Trump advisor in Washington Dbeibah vows to take steps to decrease parallel spending, increase transparency in oil contracts Over 120 migrants rescued in Mediterranean off Libyan coast Antiquities team studies newly discovered prehistoric site Dbeibeh, Al-Lafi reaffirm support for UNSMIL efforts to end transitional phases China to reopen embassy in Tripoli CBL reviews unifying public spending Over 120 migrants rescued in Mediterranean off Libyan coast Health minister assesses epidemic readiness amid emergency conditions Al-Madina appoints Serbian coach Antiquities team studies newly discovered prehistoric site Orlando, Suleiman discuss EU support for combating oil smuggling Al-Burki wins Al-Khums Chess Championship, qualifies for national finals CBL, Administrative Control Authority form joint committee for economic reforms Delegation from Russian Foreign Ministry arrives in Tripoli Arab ambassadors in Turkey review joint relations and situation of Arabs living there Dbeibah says anti-corruption efforts in health sector are priority for his government PM Dbeibah orders investigation into killing of senior army officer Culture Ministry showcases talent at Tunis International Book Fair Libya's National Development Agency eyes Turkish expertise for Sabha stadium Libya, US discuss investment opportunities amid push for economic stability Libya and Indonesia sign nine MoUs to boost economic cooperation Cancer Control Authority: Libya hasn't imported medicines from Iraq Interior Ministry launches awareness campaign on child and family protection offices Number of migrants departing from Libya to Europe has decreased Tetteh urges for legal and civil protection of Libyan women Al-Asabaa Municipality honors Support and Backup Team after fighting fires 48 Egyptian migrants deported from Libya Libya reaffirms support for Syria's sovereignty at UN meeting Libya offers condolences to Iran following Bandar Abbas explosion Libyan Chief of Staff, French ambassador discuss military cooperation Crisis Group urges Security Council to ease sanctions on Libyan Investment Authority Man sentenced to 7 years in prison for importing alcohol-making equipment from Poland Workshop held to localize oncology treatment in Benghazi Oil minister meets ExxonMobil delegation to boost partnership Indonesian women entrepreneurs seize business opportunities in Libya Al-Hilal and Al-Sweihli top two groups of Libyan Football League Tags: news headlines
