In a pivotal development, the government of Libya has brokered an agreement with long-standing militias, heralding a significant transformation in the power dynamics of the capital, Tripoli. After more than a decade of militia dominance, armed groups have agreed to relinquish control, marking a turning point in the city’s security landscape. Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi, representing the UN-recognized government, announced this breakthrough during a press conference on Wednesday. Trabelsi underscored that henceforth, the militias’ activities would be confined primarily to their headquarters, with governmental intervention reserved for exceptional circumstances and specific missions. This departure from the norm of armed groups exerting authority through checkpoints and patrols on Tripoli’s streets signals a new era of governance and security enforcement in the city.
Under the terms of the agreement, at least five armed factions are slated to withdraw from Tripoli by the conclusion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on April 9th. Among these groups is one whose base recently witnessed a tragic incident resulting in the loss of ten lives over a single weekend. The accord comes on the heels of a series of violent clashes that have rocked the city in recent months, highlighting the urgent need to restore stability and civilian control.
The participating militias, including the General Security Force, the Special Deterrence Force, Brigade 444, Brigade 111, and the Stability Support Authority, operate independently of direct government oversight, having been granted special status in 2021. Despite receiving public funding, their activities often exacerbated tensions and fueled internal conflicts, posing significant challenges to law enforcement and public safety.
In response to the agreement, Minister Trabelsi outlined plans to replace the departing militias with emergency police, city officers, and criminal investigators. This transition aims to bolster security measures and rebuild public trust in law enforcement institutions. However, the task of policing Libya remains daunting, compounded by the aftermath of the NATO-backed uprising in 2011, which plunged the nation into turmoil. With rival administrations vying for control, Libya’s political landscape remains fragmented, with the internationally recognized government led by interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah in Tripoli, and a separate administration in the east under the command of military leader Khalifa Haftar.
The landmark agreement between the government and militias signifies a crucial step towards reasserting state authority and fostering stability in Tripoli. As efforts continue to consolidate power and address security challenges, the successful implementation of this agreement holds the potential to catalyze broader reconciliation and reconstruction initiatives throughout the country.
