In the wake of the assassination of Khanasa al-Mujahid last week, pressure has grown on the Government of National Unity (GNU) Minister of Interior Emad Trabelsi and PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba amid calls for Trabelsi to step down.
On 25 November, the First Support Force, led by Zawiyya militia leader Muhammed Bahroun aka al-Far, released a sharp statement against GNU Minister of Interior (MoI) Emad Trabelsi, expressing deep astonishment at the ‘unjustified silence’ of both Trabelsi and the Attorney General regarding the murder of Khanasa al-Mujahid, a well-known blogger and wife of Moaz al-Manfoukh, an influential political leader from Zawiyya. The statement highlighted that the incident occurred in a busy public street under surveillance cameras and patrolled by units belonging to the Ministry of Interior, pointing out the contradiction between Trabelsi’s recent announcement of a security plan for the same area and his failure to address a crime that has shaken political and social circles. The Support Force accused the minister of avoiding responsibility and insisted that he either take full accountability or resign immediately.
On 26 November, PM Dabaiba reaffirmed his backing for the Ministry of Interior and its role in strengthening security during a meeting with Trabelsi and the PM’s financial advisor Muhammed al-Shahoubi. Discussions centred on the Ministry of Interior’s programmes for securing fuel supplies and strengthening security, as well as reviewing existing projects within executive bodies and the Ministry’s urgent needs. They reviewed the MoI’s plan to secure fuel stations and prevent fuel smuggling. Dabaiba, Trabelsi and al-Shahoubi also addressed the latest developments regarding illegal immigration and efforts to apprehend and deport irregular migrants back to their home countries in line with international standards. Moreover, they discussed security developments in Tripoli and ways to support police units and enhance their readiness.
That afternoon, Dabaiba chaired a meeting with Trabelsi and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense for Regions and Military Affairs, Abdul Salam Zoubi, to discuss recent security and military developments. The meeting assessed the readiness of MoI and MoD units, as well as the coordination between the two ministries, with the goal of improving efficiency and ensuring a rapid response to any threats or security incidents. Dabaiba, Trabelsi, and Zoubi also discussed plans to enhance stability, improve security at vital facilities, and bolster the capabilities of border guards and vital facility protection.
On the same day, at a meeting with training officials at the Police Officers College and the Higher Institute for Officers, Trabelsi confirmed that the investigation into the murder of Khanasa al-Mujahid is still ongoing but nearing completion. He added that the results will be released very soon. The perpetrators will be held accountable and receive their legal punishment. ‘They will pay the price.’ However, Trabelsi said that it is not possible to have ‘a policeman in front of every house’. Crimes happen even in the great countries.
He praised his security plan for the capital, emphasizing that it resulted in the detention of suspects, including murderers. Trabelsi pointed out that the MoI is seeking to install a modern digital camera system in coordination with the government and relevant authorities to improve security in Tripoli. The minister also announced that his ministry will clarify its expenditure from the first ten months of this year to enhance financial transparency within the security sector.
Al-Far’s First Support Force strongly rejected Trabelsi’s ‘irresponsible remarks’ about al-Mujahid’s murder in which he described the incident as something that occurs in ‘great countries.’ The statement said the minister ignored the circumstances of the crime, including the pursuit of al-Mujahid’s car by armoured military vehicles in an area full of patrols by armed groups led by his brother, Abdullah Trabelsi aka al-Farawila. The Force said it considers Trabelsi’s statement that he could not place ‘a policeman in front of every house’ an admission that he was unable to protect citizens. Therefore, they again called on Trabelsi to resign. They called on PM Dabaiba to assume his responsibilities, dismiss Trabelsi and appoint someone capable of managing security issues in a way that protects citizens.
Also the same day, residents and notables from Zawiyya rejected a proposal by Presidential Council (PC) Deputy Abdullah al-Lafi to convene a meeting with PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba, viewing it as an effort to exploit al-Lafi’s local connections to mobilize public backing for the PM.
On 27 November, the National Institution for Human Rights in Libya (NIHRL) expressed its deep concern about the security situation in Tripoli, warning of the growing crime rate and called on Dabaiba to dismiss Trabelsi. It said Trabelsi should be held accountable for his statements about the murder of al-Mujahid. Furthermore, the NIHRL condemned what it called the ‘heinous criminal acts’ committed by the MoI’s Public Security Agency, led by the minister’s brother Abdullah Trabelsi. It claimed that the agency had degenerated into a ‘haven for outlaws,’ underscoring the severity of the security crisis and raising concerns about the potential collapse of one of the state’s most critical institutions.
On 30 November in the afternoon, Abdulwahab al-Ghoul, a member of the Public Security Force, was detained and handed over to the Attorney General for his involvement in several cases, most notably the murder of Khansa al-Mujahid. Allegedly he committed several crimes, including rape, theft and armed robbery under the cover and legitimacy of the Public Security Force.
The pressure on Emad Trabelsi has triggered fresh maneuverings and attempts at alliance building among the capital’s militias, as tensions remain high.
There are rumours that Emad Trabelsi has instructed his supporters in Zintan to be ready to move to Tripoli in smaller convoys to avoid public attention in the case PM Dabaiba ‘sacrifices’ him.
On 30 November, MoI Emad Trabelsi hosted Wershefana militia leader Muammar al Dhawi at his residence.
The same day, Zoubi had a one hour meeting in Tripoli’s Souq al Jumaa with Rada commander Abdurraouf Kara. The meeting, organized by Turkey, focused on the tensions that have pushed the capital close to armed confrontation in recent months.