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 – established by the Presidential Council and UNSMIL and chaired by Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army Muhammed al-Haddad – held its first meeting at the Abu Sitta Naval Base to de-escalate tensions in Tripoli, protect civilians, and prevent renewed conflict. UNSMIL stressed the UN’s concern over recent civilian casualties and urged dialogue and accountability for violence. The committee will regularly report on the ceasefire and security to the Presidential Council (PC) and UNSMIL. The Ministry of Defense affirmed stable ceasefire efforts and prioritized civilian protection, asking media to avoid misinformation.
On 20 May, the Social Councils of Souq al-Jumaa and of the Four Districts, along with municipal representatives from the Western Region and several members of the Misrata Municipal Council, discussed Tripoli’s political and security tensions. They reaffirmed the ceasefire to protect civilians and supported peaceful protests for public demands. The councils urged UNSMIL to accelerate the political process and resolve the ongoing deadlock.
On 20 May, Muammar al-Dhawi, commander of the 55th (Wershefana) Infantry Battalion, dismissed rumours of an impending war on Wershefana, insisting the area remains secure. He warned against any attempts to destabilize it, vowing to resist any threat with strength and determination. Al-Dhawi declared he has the personnel and equipment to defend Wershefana, emphasizing that it will remain ‘impenetrable’ to any adversary.
On the same day, the Misrata Revolutionaries Brigades warned that if the residents of Souq al-Jumaa reject Misrata’s conditions and do not abandon their support for the Special Deterrence Force (Rada) and Judicial Police commander Osama al-Najim (aka al-Masri), a military confrontation might occur.
On 21 May at dawn, a patrol of the 111th Brigade was attacked at Martyr’s Square. Two members of the patrol were slightly injured. The perpetrators were arrested.
On 21 May, Major General Osama Juwaili, commander of the Western Mountain Military Region, met with Deputy SRSG Stephanie Koury and urged the UN mission to expedite the formation of a new government to end the division which is causing repeated armed clashes. He stressed the necessity of implementing the security arrangements plan, which he identified as the reason for Tripoli’s conflicts. He expressed his full support for the demands to overthrow PM Dabaiba. Resorting to weapons is the final step in the struggle to reclaim the homeland.
On 24 May, a member of the Stability Support Agency (SSA) was assassinated by unknown armed men in Abu Salim.
Throughout the week, PC head Muhammed al-Menfi held several meetings with delegations from western communities to discuss the situation in the capital and to stress the importance of maintaining the truce.