On 14 September, one of main leaders of the Arab Zwai tribe, al-Senussi al-Helaigh, was arrested by the Internal Security Agency (ISA) in Ajdabiya following the release of a video in which he uses racist comments against Tebu and issued serious threats to renew conflict. It came during a reconciliation meeting between the Zwai and the Obaidat related to an incident that dates back to 2015.
Al-Helaigh essentially accused the Government of National Stability (GNS) of giving Tebu more access to establish government offices in Rebyana through the town’s municipality. He also condemned the urban planning for future infrastructure and housing in Rebyana, says it will accelerate the nationalization of Chadian Tebus in Rebyana. He called the Tebu ‘slaves from Chad,’ and also called for their removal.
He noted the heightened tensions that arose in Kufra among the Zwai population with regard to the arrival of Tebu tiktoker, Babay Anakazi. He blamed authorities, saying Babay is not a Libyan Tebu and he’s from the same clan of Hussein Habri, Ex- Chadian president of Gourane-Tebu branch in Chad. Al-Helaigh threatened that if the GNS did not change things, then his tribe has weapons and will put a stop to this increased danger of non-Libyan Tebus.