Libya: Paramilitary groups claim they will leave Tripoli
Paramilitary groups in Tripoli agreed to leave the Libyan capital on February 21st after a spate of deadly clashes, according to AFP.
Foreign minister of Libya’s internationally recognized administration, Imad Trabelsi, claimed that “after a month of consultations, we came to an agreement with the security groups that they will leave the capital soon.”
Control of the Libyan capital is currently split between the General Security Force, Special Deterrence Force, Brigade 444, and Brigade 111, among other militias, all of which will apparently be replaced by official police forces.
READ: Amnesty International slams Libyan police abuse
The decision also concerns the Abu Salim neighbourhood-based Stability Support Apparatus whose members were among 10 people killed in a recent skirmish.
Reuters reported on February 19th, that the UN’s mission in Libya has urged local authorities to investigate the deaths, stating that they should “prevent any actions that could lead to escalation and further violence.”
READ: Libya: UN mission wants investigation into Tripoli shootings
The paramilitary groups evolved from the many militias that came to fill the country’s security vacuum after the ousting of Libya’s dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, in a 2011 NATO-backed uprising.
They receive public funds despite acting outside the authority of Libya’s interior or defence ministries, having been granted special status by the country’s Tripoli administration in 2021.
The groups are typically visible at roundabouts and main street intersections, where their members man checkpoints using armoured vehicles to block traffic.
There have been other violent clashes between armed groups in the capital. In August 2023, an urban battle between the Special Deterrence Force and Brigade 444 purportedly left 55 people dead and 146 wounded.
Anas El Gomati, director of Libya’s Sadeqin Institute think tank remains sceptical, he said in a February 22nd BBC interview that the developments may involve some “smoke and mirrors,” suggesting that the militias will likely return to barracks on the outskirts of Tripoli but will not fully break ranks.
AFP / Reuters
