Armed groups that have exerted control over Tripoli for over a decade have made a landmark decision to vacate the Libyan capital. In an important development towards restoring peace and stability, Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi, who is aligned with the internationally recognized government, announced that after extensive negotiations, a deal had been reached to replace the militias with regular forces responsible for law enforcement in Tripoli.
Under the agreement, Tripoli will be patrolled by emergency police, city officers, and criminal investigators rather than armed groups. This significant step comes as a relief to a country that has been plagued by various armed factions since the overthrow of former ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The power vacuum that followed Gaddafi’s demise led to a state of lawlessness and chaos, leaving Libya vulnerable to ongoing armed uprisings.
Currently, Libya is divided between the internationally recognized government in the west, led by interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah in Tripoli, and an administration in the east controlled by military strongman Khalifa Haftar.
During a press conference, Minister Trabelsi announced that militia groups would now be confined to their bases, emphasizing that the government would only engage their services in exceptional circumstances for specific missions. He expressed his belief that once the armed groups had withdrawn from Tripoli, other cities would follow suit, thus paving the way for safer roads devoid of armed checkpoints and groups.
The agreement sets a timeline for at least five armed groups to leave Tripoli by the conclusion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on April 9th. This includes a particular group based in an area where ten people lost their lives over the weekend. The militias involved in the withdrawal are the General Security Force, the Special Deterrence Force, Brigade 444, Brigade 111, and the Stability Support Authority. These heavily armed groups have long dominated different parts of the capital, often sporting masks and setting up checkpoints using armored vehicles equipped with mounted weapons. Tragically, their presence has frequently pitted them against each other, resulting in deadly clashes.
Although these groups do not fall directly under the command of the Libyan government, they have received public financing. In 2021, the government granted them a special status that conferred operational autonomy upon them.
The withdrawal of armed groups from Tripoli heralds a significant turning point for Libya as the international community continues to support efforts to restore peace and security in the war-torn country. The move carries the potential to bring stability and allow the functioning of legitimate state institutions, which have been hampered by the dominance of various militias.
While the road to lasting peace remains challenging, this latest development provides a renewed hope for the Libyan people who have endured years of conflict and instability. The departure of armed groups is a crucial step towards establishing a unified, secure, and prosperous Libya, where the rule of law can prevail and socioeconomic development can thrive.
As the nation transitions towards a post-conflict era, it is essential for the international community to continue supporting Libya’s reconciliation efforts and ensure the successful integration of former militia members into society. The cooperation of all stakeholders will determine the country’s ability to move forward and build a peaceful and prosperous future for all Libyans.
