On 23 December, the Tripoli Protection Force formally declared its support for the ‘growing popular movement’ against Government of National Unity (GNU) Prime Minister Abdul Hameed Dabaiba and his government. In a statement, the group identified the removal of corrupt individuals from state institutions as a primary and non-negotiable objective for the country’s current transition. The Force praised the resilience of Libyan citizens nationwide, emphasizing that the will of the people is the ultimate authority. By aligning themselves with the protesters, the group framed the fight against institutional corruption as their guiding principle.
In Misrata, an opposition activist, who was involved in organizing street protests against the Dabaiba government, was arrested by security forces. The man had already been arrested twice before during the last few months.
On 24 December, the Souq al-Jumaa Movement announced the renewal of anti‑government protests, accusing Dabaiba’s administration of responsibility for deteriorating living standards, widespread corruption, and foreign interference.
In the late afternoon, street protests erupted in Tripoli, Misrata and Zawiyya as a couple of hundred demonstrators demanded the resignation of PM Dabaiba and his government over worsening political and economic conditions. In Misrata, infamous militia leader Salah Badi delivered sharp criticism of the country’s political leaders during the demonstrations. In the evening protesters blocked streets with burning tires in Tripoli and Zawiyya, calling for the removal of all political bodies.
On 26 December in the evening, large demonstrations of a couple of thousand people took place in several locations in Tripoli and Misrata. Demonstrators voiced frustration with the government and other political bodies, insisting on accountability and the protection of national institutions. Moreover, they demanded a transparent investigation into the crash that killed Chief of Staff al‑Haddad and his accompanying delegation and called for the removal of all foreign forces from Libyan territory. The protests were generally calm in both cities, though security forces increased their presence around key areas.
In Tripoli, protesters burned tires and blocked roads, including the street in front of the Foreign Ministry in the Zawiyat al‑Dahmani area and the intersection in Fashloum, expressing anger over deteriorating conditions in the country. In Algeria Square, demonstrators also voiced their rejection of both ‘family rule’ and ‘military rule,’ stressing their firm opposition to each and called for all political bodies to step down. In front of the PM Office at al-Sikka Road, security forces used live ammunition for warning shots.
During a protest in Zintan, Brigadier General Ajimi al‑Atiri said Libya is going through a ‘phase of chaos and dependency,’ pointing to settlement projects, foreign mercenaries and bases, and widespread oil smuggling as factors worsening citizens’ living conditions. He highlighted severe cash shortages, fuel and electricity problems, and blamed the government, parliament, and current leadership. Al‑Atiri warned that the protest movement will continue sit‑ins and escalate if demands are not met, calling for a government that protects national resources and removes foreign bases.
On 27 December, a couple of hundred people protested again in Tripoli and Misrata against the Dabaiba government and all other political bodies. Several roads were blocked with burning tires. In Misrata, some protesters attacked vehicles of Mukhtar al-Jahawi’s Counterterrorism Force Reserve Division.
On 28 December, an officer of the Internal Security Agency was shot and killed in Ain Zara. Another member of this Agency was wounded. The shootout occurred during an unsuccessful attempt to arrest several demonstrators from the Souq al-Jumaa area who were present in the Ain Zara area.
During the night protests erupted across several areas of Tripoli. Demonstrators burned tires and blocked major roads to express mounting anger over Libya’s political paralysis and the continued rule of Dabaiba’s GNU.
Leaders of revolutionary brigades and units in Misrata voiced full support for anti‑corruption popular protests, demanded the removal of all existing political bodies, and urged citizens to take to the streets to ‘reclaim the nation from those who are abusing it.’ They also called on security and military bodies in Misrata to align themselves with the people and protect demonstrators, stressing that they would ‘strike with an iron fist’ anyone who stands against the Libyan people’s desire for change and a dignified life.
On 29, 30 and 31 December, a few dozen protesters demonstrated again in Tripoli, closing several streets with burning tires.
On 1 January, the Youth Uprising Movement in western Tripoli vowed to continue the uprising until its demands are met, rejecting the idea of leaving the country ‘to the corrupt and traitors,’ and urging all citizens to take to public squares to make their voices heard.
On 2 January about 200 people protested in front of the UNSMIL HQ in Janzour, demanding the overthrow of the Dabaiba government. In central Tripoli about 800 people demonstrated against the government.
On 5 January, about two dozen members of the Youth Uprising Movement protested in front of the UNSMIL HQ in Janzour against the Dabaiba government. They also blamed UNSMIL for the deterioration of the political situation.