Unrest in Libya escalates: Ministers step down amidst public pressure and a cop's death in fresh violence following a militia commander's killing, leading to intensified hostilities nationwide.
In the heart of Libya, chaos reigns as ministers backing the internationally recognized government step down in solidarity with demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah's departure.
The government issued a statement late on Friday, confirming a police officer's death in an assault on Dbeibah's office. The officer was killed by unidentified attackers who also tried to set the office on fire with Molotov cocktails, according to the statement.
Economy and Trade Minister Mohamed al-Hawij, Local Government Minister Badr Eddin al-Tumi, and Minister of Housing Abu Bakr al-Ghawi are among the ministers who've tendered their resignations. The government had initially dismissed reports of ministerial resignations.
Surprisingly, protests in support of Dbeibah and his government were held in Misrata. However, these protests contrast with the wave of protests calling for Dbeibah's resignation, spurred by the escalating violence in Tripoli over the past week.
This intense violence has claimed at least eight civilian lives. The turmoil began following the death of Abdelghani al-Kikli, a powerful militia leader, in an ambush. Dbeibah responded by attempting to seize control, leading to further confrontations.
Before the demonstrations, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) urged citizens' right to peaceful protest and warned against any escalation of violence. Reporters in Tripoli echoed the growing discontent among Libyans, who are calling for elections and a chance to choose their leaders.
Straddled by political divides, Libya has been plagued by instability since a 2011 uprising. Dbeibah's Government of National Unity (GNU) bears control over western Libya, while an administration backed by renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar commands the east. The country was scheduled to hold national elections at the end of 2021, but these were indefinitely postponed due to disputes over candidate eligibility, constitutional rules, and security concerns.
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Note: Libya's current political situation is characterized by significant instability, fueled by ongoing violence and political divisions. Recent events include the 2025 Tripoli clashes and political divisions marked by two rival governments: the UN-recognized Government of National Unity in Tripoli and the eastern-based Government of National Stability. Elections planned for the end of 2021 have been postponed, leaving the country’s government unified through elections uncertain. (sources: 1, 2, 3)
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"Libyans are yearning for change; they are increasingly frustrated with the country's security situation and the lack of progress towards unifying the government," said our correspondent in Tripoli. Despite protests in both support of Dbeibah and against him, it is clear that the people of Libya are eager for stability and a voice in their government.
Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all parties in Libya to exercise restraint and advised Egyptian citizens in Libya to stay indoors until the situation stabilizes. Egypt is closely monitoring the developments in Libya.
- The increasing frustration among Libyans about the country's security situation and the lack of progress towards government unification is evident in the breaking news of ongoing protests.
- The economy, trade, local government, and housing sectors have been affected by the recent ministerial resignations in response to the escalating violence and ongoing political instability in Libya.
- The turmoil in Libya, marked by ongoing war and conflicts, has led to a lack of stability in the country and highlighted the need for general news coverage of the situation.
- The yearning for change and a voice in their government is clear among Libyans, as shown by the mixed responses to Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah's leadership, underscoring the importance of crime and justice issues in the political landscape.
