Libyans urge for anti-Dbeibah government protests

Activists and grassroots movements are calling for a peaceful demonstration in western Libya, urging citizens to protest against the policies pursued by the Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, amid deteriorating economic conditions, the Libya Review reported on January 20th.

The planned marches were driven by worsening living conditions, rising prices, declining public services and persistent insecurity, according to organisers. Activists have said years of economic mismanagement and political stagnation had increased economic pressure on households, and criticised the government over public spending and external agreements, including those involving military technology. Rising prices have reduced household purchasing power in Libya, with food and pharmaceutical costs increasing by up to 25% in December 2025.

The protests are expected to be peaceful and inclusive, but organisers warned that continued disregard for public demands could lead to other measures, including calls to suspend oil and gas production. The warning comes as Libya’s oil sector continues to generate revenue, with the central bank saying national oil income has reached $371 million since the start of 2026.

Organisers also condemned any involvement of the International Criminal Court in Libyan affairs and called on NATO countries to take responsibility for the long-term consequences of the 2011 intervention in Libya.

The calls follow a series of protests across the country. In December 2025, protests outside the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) headquarters called for a Libyan-led political process and opposed what demonstrators described as persistent foreign interference in the country’s political future.

Demonstrations in Tripoli, Libya’s capital, called for the removal of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and its Prime Minister, Dbeibah. Protests over worsening political, economic and social conditions expanded to Misrata, in December 2025. Libya’s Grand Mufti reacted to the protests, saying the demonstrations did not justify rebellion against the ruler under sharia law, even if he is corrupt or unjust, according to the Libya Security Monitor on December 19th.

Libya Review, Libya Security Monitor, Maghrebi.org