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DW
10 hours ago
- Politics
- DW
Between chaos and democracy: Libya at crossroads again – DW – 05/30/2025
Recent violence in western Libya brought back the specter of renewed civil war. But observers say the fighting and ensuing protests may also offer a renewed chance to break the country's political gridlock. It may be comparatively calm this week but Libya's western capital Tripoli remains in turmoil. Earlier in May, violence broke out between armed groups and pro-government forces after Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah issued a decree ordering the dismantling of armed militias, including the influential Stabilization Support Apparatus, or SSA, militia. The head of the SSA was killed. According to the UN, the resulting violence killed eight civilians in Tripoli. Later another 58 bodies were found in a hospital under the SSA's control, "The latest fighting in Tripoli that resulted in civilian casualties is a strong indication of the fragility of the situation," Hanan Salah, Libya researcher and associate director in the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch, told DW. "The sheer recklessness of the warfare that Human Rights Watch documented in the middle of civilian neighborhoods shows the blatant disregard these armed groups have for the life and livelihoods of civilians," she said. Country split in half Since 2014, Libya has been split into two, with opposing governments located in the east and west of the country. A United Nations-backed administration known as the Government of National Unity is based in Tripoli in the west and headed by Dbeibah. Its rival, known as the House of Representatives, is based in the east, in Tobruk and headed by Prime Minister Ossama Hammad. He is supported by former warlord-turned-politician Khalifa Haftar. In the east, Haftar has managed to consolidate control over various armed militias under his command, ruling with an iron fist. In the west, Dbeibah has tolerated different militias competing. Observers say the recent fighting in Tripoli indicates that Dbeibah is now trying to do the same as Haftar and consolidate control over militias in the west too. In mid-May, the fighting ended after a few days with an undisclosed agreement between the militias and Dbeibah's administration. It was followed by popular protests. People demanded national elections as well as a return to the drafting of a constitution: Both were halted when a peace process under UN leadership failed in December also called for a Dbeibah's resignation. Dbeibah did not address those calls. In a televised speech he said, "we will welcome all those who choose to stand with the state… and we will sideline those who resort to blackmail and corruption. Our goal is a Libya free of militias and corruption." Observers agree that Dbeibah's key objective is likely to consolidate power and influence. In May, thousands of Libyans called for Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah's resignation Image: Ayman al-Sahili/REUTERS Unsolved problems "In recent years the conflict [in Libya] has been frozen as the spoils have been divided among the various actors," Tim Eaton, a senior research fellow with the Middle East and North Africa programme at London-based think tank Chatham House, said. Over time, "these groups had been competing against one another to grab ever greater parts of the Libyan state," he told DW. In a recent piece for the think tank's website, Eaton wrote that the contest had been exacerbated this May over "a dispute over control of a state institution, the Libyan Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Company, which operates valuable monopolies in the telecommunications sector." In his view, the current situation is very perilous. "There clearly is a threat of a slide into another bout of civil war," he told DW. But, Eaton and other experts say, there's also some hope. "There is a real shot for the UN to capitalize on this moment to make some political progress," Eaton told DW. "This set of actions also seems to present an opportunity to reinvigorate the political track. When there were other outbreaks of significant conflict in Tripoli in 2014 and 2020, political change did follow," he pointed out. In 2014, fighting in Tripoli ended with the country splitting in half. In 2020, a UN-led political process to appoint a new government was started. "So there is clearly an opportunity for such an occurrence to happen again," Eaton suggested. Libya's western Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has rejected any calls that he resign Image: Hamza Turkia/Xinhua/imago images New UN roadmap This month's crisis could well "represent a significant opportunity to begin changing the course of events by moving toward holding parliamentary and presidential elections," agrees Mohammed al-Dairi, a former foreign minister for the Tripoli-based government in the east. "The first step in this direction is the formation of a unified government that ends the institutional division currently plaguing our country," he told DW. Meanwhile, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, or UNSMIL, first launched in 2011 to help facilitate a political process that would lead to democratic elections in Libya, has published a new report that outlines four options which could serve as a roadmap towards ending the country's difficult transitional phase. The options include conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously or conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution. They also include adopting a permanent constitution before elections, or alternatively establishing a political dialogue committee to finalize electoral laws and define executive authority and a permanent constitution. "Libya's parties have to come to a consensus," HRW's Salah points out. "The human rights crisis and political divisions in Libya will not be solved overnight," she told DW. "Conducting free and fair elections is elusive today but at the end of the day, what option do the competing Libyan parties really have?"
Libya Review
a day ago
- Libya Review
Libyan Woman Gives Birth During Hajj in Saudi Arabia
A Libyan pilgrim has given birth to a baby girl in the holy city of Makkah during the Hajj season of 1446 AH (2025), marking a joyful moment for the Libyan delegation. The newborn, whose family hails from the southern Libyan town of Qatrun, was named Makkah in honor of the sacred city where she was born. The news was shared by Ahmed Sinan, Deputy Head of the Field Monitoring Committee at Libya's Office for Pilgrims' Affairs, in a video posted by the Libyan Hajj and Umrah Authority. Sinan confirmed that the mother, Mabrouka, delivered her baby safely and is in good health, as is the newborn. 'This is the first Libyan birth recorded during this year's pilgrimage. The mother and baby are doing well, and the event has brought joy to the entire Libyan delegation,' said Sinan. He offered his congratulations to the father, Barakai, and praised the efforts of the medical and logistical teams supporting pilgrims on their spiritual journey. According to officials, the baby girl received a warm welcome from Libyan pilgrims and the Hajj mission team, many of whom viewed her birth as a spiritual blessing. The story quickly spread among the pilgrims, who expressed their happiness and shared their blessings with the new parents. The birth is particularly symbolic, coming during one of the most sacred times and places in the Islamic calendar. For many Libyans, it serves as a reminder of the personal and spiritual milestones that can occur during the pilgrimage—a journey not only of faith but of life itself. Earlier the same day, the Libyan Hajj Authority also announced that the families of martyrs and wounded veterans, included in this year's pilgrimage, had arrived safely and settled into their accommodations in Makkah. Tags: HajjlibyaMakkahPilgrimageSaudi Arabia
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Libyan Students Given New Access to Algerian Universities Starting September
Algeria has officially opened its universities to Libyan students for the first time, beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year. The announcement was made by the Algerian Embassy in Libya on Wednesday, confirming that Libyan students can now apply to Algerian higher education institutions at their own expense, across all academic levels, including undergraduate (Licence), Master's, and Doctorate programs. This decision offers an unprecedented opportunity for Libyan students, particularly those who are not receiving government scholarships. The application period is open until 10 August 2025, providing a clear window for students to complete necessary registration procedures. The move comes in response to growing interest among Libyan students to study abroad amid challenges in Libya's domestic education system. By allowing access to its universities, Algeria is positioning itself as a nearby and affordable destination for Libyan students seeking academic advancement. To facilitate this process, Algerian authorities have launched a digital platform titled 'Study in Algeria,' where Libyan applicants can explore available academic programs, university listings, tuition fees, housing, meals, and other logistics. Students are encouraged to consult the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education for full details and eligibility requirements. The Algerian Ministry of Higher Education will later announce specific enrollment conditions and field-specific tuition rates, while coordination is ongoing with diplomatic and educational institutions to ease the enrollment process for Libyans. This development follows the April 2025 launch of the 'Study in Algeria' platform by Algerian Minister of Higher Education, Kamel Baddari, aimed at attracting international students under a new presidential directive. Tags: algeriaAlgerian UniversitieslibyaLibyan Students
Libya Review
4 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Haftar Reaffirms Military's Role in Securing Libya
Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), marked the 11th anniversary of the Al-Karama (Dignity) Revolution with a powerful speech honouring the army's sacrifices and achievements, while stressing the urgent need for increased UN involvement in Libya. In his address, Haftar praised the armed forces for their steadfast defence of Libya against terrorism and extremism, describing the military as 'the solid shield and guarantor of Libya's security.' 'The whole world witnessed the battles of honour and heroism waged by our armed forces,' Haftar said, affirming that the LNA will remain a 'fortress against all threats.' The commander renewed his pledge to honour the memory of fallen soldiers, calling the army's personnel 'the hope of the nation, its pride, and the makers of its future.' He lauded their continuous service, stating, 'Year after year, you have proven worthy of the responsibility and guardians of stability.' Haftar emphasised that the sacrifices made by the LNA will remain immortal, reflecting the unwavering courage of its men. He directed a heartfelt salute to soldiers stationed across Libya, stating that 'the blood of the martyrs lights our path forward.' The commander reaffirmed his commitment to restoring Libya's strength and reviving life in its cities and villages. 'The armed forces are the guarantors of national security and the backbone of stability,' he said, urging full readiness to confront both internal and external challenges. Highlighting military progress in recent years, Haftar said, 'We are proud of our army after years of reconstruction, organisation, and training. Our advances have been driven by unwavering determination and resilience.' He asserted that the LNA provided 'a model of sacrifice and heroism under the most difficult conditions.' Haftar also reiterated that the military will remain a central institution of national interest, vowing to continue executing national missions with precision and success. He closed his speech by calling on all Libyans to take pride in their national army. 'Libya deserves the dedication and sacrifice of its people to maintain its regional and international standing. Our army has met every challenge with an iron will and remains capable of confronting all threats with strength and resolve.' 'Wherever you march, pride multiplies and dignity rises. We are all devoted to Libya, its unity, and its honour. Our flag will remain high in the sky.' He concluded by stressing that the army's sacrifices have 'illuminated the path and preserved national dignity, raising the Libyan people's heads high through the most difficult times.' The Al-Karama Revolution, which began 11 years ago, continues to receive widespread public support, with the LNA viewed by many as a stabilising national force that has helped secure large parts of the country and combat cross-border terrorism. Tags: benghazikhalifa haftarlibyaLibyan armyLNAun
Libya Review
5 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
'Libya Build' Expo Turns to Battleground as Militias Overrun Capital
Libya may have just hosted 'the world's worst conference.' The event, held in Tripoli on May 12 under the title 'Libya Build', was promoted as the largest construction expo ever organized in North Africa, according to The Economist. It attracted international delegates from China, Turkey, and Malta, with the optimistic slogan: 'Let's Build Libya Together.' Instead, what unfolded was a descent into chaos. As guests arrived, mortars began falling. Gunmen in trucks mounted with heavy machine guns seized control of half the capital. Burned-out cars lined the streets. Schools, banks, and markets shut their gates. Militias stormed the Central Bank. Even the gazelles were stolen from Tripoli's zoo. Britain abruptly reversed its recently eased travel advice, urging citizens to avoid the capital, while Turkey airlifted its nationals to safety. This breakdown underscored the failure of Tripoli's post-Gaddafi 'reset.' The Government of National Unity (GNU) in the west, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba, once a construction tycoon, was always weaker than Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the General Commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA). Unlike Haftar, Dbaiba's authority relies on a precarious coalition of militias. As Libya's oil revenues declined and government funds dwindled, Dbaiba's payouts decreased, prompting unrest among the very groups that once supported him. The immediate trigger was reportedly financial: with the coffers empty, militias sought new income by, for instance, kidnapping utility executives. Then, in a move meant to neutralize a threat, Dbaiba's forces killed militia leader Abdul Ghani al-Kikli during a meeting. The assassination provoked Tripoli's most powerful armed group, the Salafist Special Deterrence Force (Rada), which retaliated and took control of half the capital. In the aftermath, Tripolitanians, exhausted by years of misrule and broken promises, took to the streets demanding elections, an end to militia dominance, and reunification of Libya. Many now view Dbaiba as one of the 'fulul'—a term used to describe holdovers from the Gaddafi era. Dbaiba, seen by many diplomats as a fading figure, is said to have sent his family to London. Desperate to appear in control, he called fighters from his hometown of Misrata to secure Tripoli. They reportedly fired on demonstrators. With Tripoli's main airport under Rada's control, Dbaiba reopened the long-closed international airport and vowed to turn Kikli's former militia base into a public park. He has branded remaining militias 'blackmailers, criminals, and sharks.' But without their support, his grip grows increasingly fragile. His ministers have begun to resign. Parliament has declared Dbaiba 'illegitimate' and named potential successors. Meanwhile, reports suggest troop movements in Sirte, Zawiya, Zintan, and Ghadames, possibly in preparation for a broader push by Haftar's forces. For now, Dbaiba remains in office, but, as The Economist concludes, 'Libyans and foreign diplomats have begun to speak of his rule in the past tense.' At least, with the airport reopened, 'he has a way to escape'.
