Following the Friday protests, the situation in the capital calmed down to some degree, though anti Dabaiba tensions feeling remained high with a civil disobedience movement declared and various political moves initiated to remove him.
On 17 May, the Souq al-Jumaa Municipality announced a widespread, open-ended civil sit-in across Libya, particularly in the capital, demanding the resignation of the Dabaiba government. The municipality, speaking on behalf of the ‘Free People of Libya,’ accused the government of using excessive violence, including weapons, against its own citizens, leaving no room for silence or retreat. These protests will continue until the Presidential Council takes decisive action to end the government’s ‘reckless and lawless’ behavior, saying they believe the Government of National Unity (GNU) has lost legitimacy and plunged the country into chaos. The municipality emphasized that the sit-in will persist until the people’s demands are met and those responsible for betraying public trust are held accountable, warning that anyone who obstructs this peaceful movement will be considered complicit in the government’s alleged crimes and bloodshed.
The Misrata Municipal Council denounced the use of Misrata’s name in the Tripoli events, calling for calm and rejecting division while supporting the UN’s efforts for change. The Council stated Tripoli’s situation stems from political failure to hold elections and supported the right to peaceful protest without destruction. The Council urged maintaining stability, supporting civil peace, and avoiding violence for change.
Thereafter, the Social Council of Souq al-Jumaa stated that the ongoing popular movement is not directed against the people in Misrata, but against a corrupt government that used weapons against its own people. They are seeking a courageous national stand from the people of Misrata for the victory of Libya.
During the day on 17 May, there was a massive presence of security forces on the streets and squares of Tripoli. Only a couple of hundred people rallied for street protests in the evening.