Libya Government’s Deal with Militias: A Step Towards Order
Armed groups that have held control over Libya’s capital for over a decade have agreed to withdraw, according to the country’s Interior minister, who is part of the UN-recognized government. The announcement was made during a press conference, where the minister, Mr. Trabelsi, stated that the militias’ “place is in their headquarters” and that the government will utilize them only in exceptional circumstances for specific missions.
As part of the deal, at least five armed groups are expected to leave Tripoli by the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on April 9. The agreement aims to eliminate armed groups and checkpoints on roads in various cities.
The militias involved in the deal include the General Security Force, the Special Deterrence Force, Brigade 444, Brigade 111, and the Stability Support Authority. While these groups are not under the direct command of the Libyan government, they were granted operational independence through a special status in 2021.
These heavily armed and funded groups have often clashed with each other, contributing to instability in the region. The move is intended to replace these armed groups with emergency police, city officers, and criminal investigators to enhance security.
Libya has faced significant challenges in maintaining security since the NATO-backed uprising in 2011, which led to a chaotic situation in the country. The nation has been divided between rival administrations, with the internationally recognized government in the west, led by interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah in Tripoli, and another administration in the east led by military strongman Khalifa Haftar.
The recent agreement reflects a step toward addressing security concerns and stabilizing the situation in Libya, as various factions work towards a more cohesive and secure future. The move follows a call from the UN special envoy for Libya in mid-February, urging warring political actors to prioritize resolving the political crisis.
