In the early afternoon of 14 May, an initially fragile ceasefire was established by the Presidential Council (PC) in its capacity as a Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, but protests and anger against PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba continued to grow, with some violent incidents continuing.
The PC ordered that all armed units must return to their bases immediately and unconditionally, and froze the recent decisions of the Government of National Unity (GNU) regarding restructuring security institutions and appointments to military or security positions.
In the evening of the same day, thousands of people gathered in several locations in Tripoli and Zawiyya, protesting against Dabaiba and Misrata. In Abu Salim, a couple of former Stability Support Agency (SSA) HQs were ransacked. Several cars were set on fire. Allegedly there were some clashes with the 444 Brigade. A protester was killed. There were also some violent incidents in downtown Tripoli. A large number of local communities in northern Tripolitania and political leaders, including from the House of Representatives (HoR) and the High State Council (HSC) called on Dabaiba to resign.
The SSA pledged to track down those responsible for the killing of its leader Ghinaywa along with his companions, condemning the act as a blatant violation of fundamental human and national principles. In its statement, the SSA described the late leader as a dedicated and courageous figure who exemplified the highest ideals of sacrifice and devotion. At a meeting of the leadership of the SSA, Brigadier General Mohammad Hassan Abu Zuriba was appointed interim head of the Agency. He is the commander of the Abu Sora militia in Zawiyya. He is the son of Ali Abu Zuriba, who is member of the HoR and an influential leader of the Awlad Abu Hmeira tribe.
Ali al-Jabri, deputy head of the Tripoli Security Directorate’s Support Service, survived an assassination attempt in Abu Salim, south of Tripoli. He had been in the area on an official security mission aimed at stabilizing regions impacted by recent clashes.
On 15 May, in the afternoon and in the evening, there were several violent clashes between protesters and security forces loyal to the GNU, in particular the 444 Brigade, including in Abu Salim next to Ghinaywa’s HQ and the Zoo, in Hay Andalus, in front of the PC HQ, and near the PM Office at al-Sikka Road.
In the evening, at Tripoli’s Martyr’s Square about 1,500 persons participated in an anti-Dabaiba demonstration. A number of HoR members representing Libya’s western region expressed their full support for the demands of protesters, demanding an end to corruption and poor services.
Meanwhile, a pro-Dabaiba rally was held in Misrata, with claims that some protesters were allied with Khalifa Haftar.