Latest news with #StabilitySupportApparatus
Libya Review
4 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Anti-Government Protests Sweep Western Libya for 3rd Week
For the third Friday in a row, massive crowds have taken to the streets of Libya's capital, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba and the dissolution of his Government of National Unity. The protests, now entering their third week, have become one of the most sustained and serious challenges to the current leadership since it came to power in 2021. Thousands of protesters gathered in Tripoli's Martyrs' Square waving red cards, a symbolic demand for the government to step down, and chanting slogans such as 'The people want the fall of the government.' The demonstrators accuse Dbaiba of failing to deliver on his promises to improve security, fight corruption, and lead the country to elections after years of political division. The latest wave of anger was sparked by the killing of militia leader Abdulghani al-Kikli, known as 'Ghneiwa,' in mid-May. The incident led to violent clashes among rival armed groups after Dbaiba suddenly dissolved the Stability Support Apparatus, which Ghneiwa had headed. The resulting chaos revealed how deeply militias still control large parts of the capital and how little authority the civilian government actually holds. In a televised address, Dbaiba called the violence a 'shared mistake' and blamed the ongoing instability on rogue armed factions. However, many Libyans saw his words as weak and evasive. Fueling further outrage are revelations that cancer medication was imported from Iraq under pressure from militias—an admission made by Dbaiba himself, which has raised new questions about corruption and government complicity. What began in Tripoli has now spread to other cities, including Misrata, Zawiya, Sabratha, and Surman. Misrata, Dbaiba's hometown, witnessed significant protests last week, signaling that dissatisfaction is not limited to the capital. At the same time, several government ministers have resigned, suggesting that Dbaiba is losing support from within his own administration. As the protests grow in size and scope, Libya's House of Representatives has moved to form a new unified government. Lawmakers met in Benghazi this week to hear proposals from 12 candidates vying to lead the next phase of the country's political transition. Whether this move will calm public anger or further deepen divisions remains to be seen. What is clear is that Libya is at a political crossroads. With the public demanding change and institutions showing signs of fracture, the coming weeks may determine whether Dbaiba can cling to power or if the protest movement marks the end of his leadership. Tags: Abdul Hamid DbaibalibyaparliamentProteststripoliWest Libya
Libya Review
5 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Will Russia Attack Europe Through Libya?
Russia is reportedly preparing to install medium and long-range missile systems at the Sebha military base in southern Libya, aiming them at Europe, according to a source cited by Agenzia Nova. The base, located in the Fezzan region under General Khalifa Haftar's control, is seen as a strategic launch site due to its proximity to European territories such as Lampedusa. The plan, said to be in an advanced stage, is allegedly supported by Russia and Belarus. The report claimed that Haftar, together with his son Saddam, is reportedly using the recent chaos in Tripoli to push towards the capital. This follows the assassination of Abdulghani al-Kikli, known as 'Ghaniwa', leader of the Stability Support Apparatus, by Brigade 444 – a militia loyal to Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba. The killing sparked one of the most violent escalations in Tripoli in years. Sources claim the Russians are backing Haftar's expansion and may deploy advanced air defence systems like the Tor-M1 to protect the Sebha installation. The system, recently displayed in Benghazi, can intercept enemy missiles, drones and aircraft. Another layer to the alleged plan includes a proposed transfer of one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, with the mediation of Turkey and possible US backing. This transfer would reportedly involve Palestinians who do not support Hamas, and those resettled in Libya could receive citizenship from Haftar in exchange for political loyalty and control of Libya's oil assets. A second relocation, involving around 800,000 Gazans, could go to Syria under a separate US-brokered arrangement with the new Syrian leadership. While the reports remain unverified, they have sparked speculation about regional re-alignments involving Russia, Turkey, the US, and Gulf countries. Cyrenaican outlets have also reported Haftar's troops joining NATO's 'Anatolian Phoenix 25' exercises in Turkey. Between 1,500 and 2,000 LNA fighters are allegedly training there and acquiring Turkish drones. Tags: europekhalifa haftarlibyaMissilesRussiaSebha
Libya Review
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Russia & Turkey Agree to Enhance Stability in Libya
Russia and Turkey have agreed to use their influence over Libyan factions to prevent renewed fighting in the war-torn country. The announcement came during a joint press conference between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, held on Tuesday. Lavrov stated, 'We agreed to use our influence on the Libyan parties to prevent a new escalation that could lead to renewed hostilities.' This diplomatic coordination follows days of violence in the Libyan capital, Tripoli. Armed clashes erupted between forces affiliated with the Government of National Unity and the Stability Support Apparatus, after the assassination of the SSA's commander, Abdul Ghani Al-Kikli, known as 'Ghneiwa.' The situation deteriorated further as clashes spread to include the Special Deterrence Force. These incidents have left dozens of people dead or wounded. Public and private property was also damaged, and key services were interrupted. The violence forced the closure of government offices, schools, and universities, deepening the sense of instability in the capital. Analysts say this latest escalation highlights the fragile security situation and the ongoing risk of civil war returning to Libya. Russia and Turkey have both maintained close ties with rival Libyan factions over recent years. Their new pledge to contain tensions is seen as a strategic move to avoid further regional chaos. With the memory of Libya's recent conflict still fresh, many observers are watching closely to see whether this Russian-Turkish effort will have any real effect on the ground. For now, hopes remain cautious. Tags: libyaRussiatripoliTurkeyViolence
Libya Review
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya's Parliament Speaker Demands Legal Action Against PM Dbaiba
On Monday, Libya's Speaker of the Parliament, Ageela Saleh, issued a strong rebuke of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba and his interim Government of National Unity during a parliamentary session held in Benghazi. Addressing the Parliament's plenary session, Saleh accused the Dbaiba-led government of enabling chaos by legalizing the role of armed militias, inflaming divisions, and failing to maintain stability in the capital. Saleh stated that Dbaiba's government, whose mandate expired in 2021 following a no-confidence vote by Parliament, has 'no further legitimacy' and should relinquish power 'voluntarily or by constitutional process.' He warned that clinging to power has only worsened the national divide and deepened institutional fragmentation. Referring to the recent deadly clashes in Tripoli, Saleh condemned the use of live ammunition against peaceful demonstrators. 'The shooting of unarmed civilians is a crime punishable under both Libyan and international law,' he said. 'It is an act of aggression and political failure, and those responsible must face justice. Impunity threatens the rule of law and Libya's path to reconciliation.' The speaker's comments follow days of violent unrest in Tripoli sparked by the killing of Abdelghani al-Kikli, also known as 'Ghneiwa', the head of the now-dissolved Stability Support Apparatus. The killing triggered clashes between Ghneiwa's forces and the 444th Combat Brigade, later expanding into further fighting between the 444th and the Special Deterrence Force (Radaa). Dbaiba's decision to dissolve the security apparatus escalated tensions and led to multiple casualties and widespread destruction. Although the situation has since calmed following a ceasefire announced by the Presidential Council and the Ministry of Defense, Saleh emphasized that accountability is essential. 'What we saw in Tripoli was a tragedy—a complete breakdown of governance and responsibility,' he said. 'Those who aim to intimidate or terrorize their people are not fit to govern.' Saleh also urged Parliament to move quickly in selecting a new Prime Minister. He called on lawmakers to submit candidates immediately, with the Attorney General tasked with verifying each nominee's legal eligibility to ensure transparent and lawful leadership succession.
Libya Review
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
PM Hammad Calls for New Libyan Government
Libya's parliament-designate Prime Minister Osama Hammad has called for a 'brave and responsible' national dialogue to form a unified government that would pave the way for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. In a televised address, Hammad urged Libyans to end the country's long-standing political division. Hammad also called on the UN Security Council and international community to assume their responsibilities towards Libya. However, he warned that if they fail to act, they should 'leave the decision to Libyans' without external interference or guardianship. The speech came amid public outrage over the recent violent suppression of protests in Tripoli. Hammad condemned the use of 'excessive force' against demonstrators, describing the crackdown as 'a collective cry' from citizens rejecting corruption and political neglect. He labelled the shooting of unarmed civilians as a criminal act. Hammad criticised the Presidential Council's failure to protect civilians and manage the crisis, while accusing the international community of maintaining a 'deafening silence' that only deepens Libyans' isolation and erodes trust in international justice. He also attacked his rival in Tripoli, Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, calling his recent statements 'devoid of responsibility and humanity.' Hammad accused Dbaiba of failing to acknowledge the deaths of peaceful protesters and instead blaming others, while continuing to rely on militias that he once portrayed as official state security forces. Dbaiba responded on Saturday, calling the Abu Salim violence a 'shared mistake' and expressing regret over recent clashes in Tripoli. The fighting followed his order to dismantle the Stability Support Apparatus, leading to fierce battles between powerful armed groups and the death of their leader, Abdelghani al-Kikli. Several ministers in Dbaiba's government resigned on Friday in solidarity with protesters and in protest at government performance. Tags: Abdel-Hamid DbaibaElectionslibyaLibyan PMOsama Hammad
