Libyan actors
Tracking developments of Libyan Actors in Libya’s security space including armed group activity, state security operations and political activities pertaining to Libya’s security.
Protests in Misrata against eastern and western authorities
In Misrata, a couple of hundred people gathered in front of the municipal council headquarters to protest against what they described as the ‘encroachment of militias.’ They specifically named Saddam Haftar and Aqeela Saleh, accusing them of ‘destroying the political...
Rubio confirms US planned to send migrants to Libya via GNU
In a Senate hearing on 20 May, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, ‘No, there's no deportation of Palestinians from Gaza to Libya. What we have talked to some nations is about voluntary moving.’ On 23 May, Rubio issued a statement to Judge Brian Murphy, a federal...
Truce remains in Tripoli despite sporadic violence
The truce keeping the peace among Tripoli’s rival armed groups and their political backers has remained in place this week, with no major clashes or fighting. However, tensions remain high and there have been pockets of violence. On 20 May, the Joint Truce Committee -...
HRW urges investigations into deaths and abuse caused by clashes in Tripoli
On 20 May, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that armed groups in Tripoli failed to protect civilians during recent clashes, resulting in deaths and property damage, and called for urgent investigations into alleged abuses. HRW emphasized the reckless disregard for...
Shipping to Tripoli port impacted by unrest
On 19 May, Lloyd’s List reported that since 13 May (when clashes intensified in Tripoli), there have been no vessels tracked arriving at Tripoli port. Several shipping companies have suspended operations due to the insecurity. The few ships that were berthed inside...
UN and international actors call for calm in Tripoli
The UN and a wide range of international actors have been calling for calm and seeking to facilitate mediation, with PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba holding a well-publicised meeting with several ambassadors presumably designed to show he still has international backing....
Tripoli airport and main roads reopen amid relative calm
On 18 May, the situation in Tripoli was widely stable. A couple of streets, including the Coastal Road, Tripoli University Road and 2nd Ring Road were temporarily blocked by protesters during the day. After a couple of hours, the Tripoli Security Directorate announced...
PM Dabaiba fights for political survival amid calls for him to step down
Late on 17 May, PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba made a televised speech to the Libyan people – his first such speech since the violence and instability began on 12 May – in which he outlined his rationale for moving against Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) commander Abdul...
UNSMIL supports PC-led truce committee to oversee Tripoli ceasefire
On 18 May, the Presidential Council (PC), as Commander-in-Chief, in cooperation with UNSMIL, formed a truce committee ‘building on the fragile peace reached last week’ and held its first meeting. The committee is headed by Libyan Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General...