Libya suffers more clashes between armed factions in Zawiya

More clashes have emerged between armed factions in the western Libyan city of Zawiya, approximately 60 kilometres west of the capital city of Tripoli, according to the Moroccan government-friendly outlet North Africa Post on September 25^th.

Factions affiliated with the Tripoli-based, UN-backed Government of National Unity (GNU) reportedly clashed as a result of the Interior Ministry’s Security Threats Apparatus arresting members of the Al-Kaboutat armed group, which is linked to the Defence Ministry.

The confrontation resulted in the death of at least one member of the Petroleum Facilities Guard, and the skirmish spread into residential areas close to Zawiya’s oil refinery. Reinforcements were deployed to main roads, and the coastal highway was once again blocked after it was closed due to militia clashes in Janzour.

These clashes once again raise questions surrounding the coherence and stability of the UN-supported government, amid efforts to drive Libya towards a democratic, unified future that bridges the divide between the GNU and the eastern Libyan administration affiliated with Commander Khalifa Haftar.

Continuous clashes in the region also endanger Zawiya’s infrastructure, with the Zawiya Oil Refining Company voicing “deep concern” over the violence, warning of serious threats to lives and infrastructure whilst urging an immediate ceasefire. Any disruption to the refinery risks impeding a sector which is pivotal to Libya’s projected economic growth of 17.3% in 2025.

Furthermore, the city’s Education Directorate has decided to suspend classes in all schools, while local authorities advised residents to remain indoors.

The latest clashes occur a week after similar confrontations in Janzour and Sorman, clouding the cautious optimism surrounding a recent security deal agreed between the GNU and a prominent militia force- the Special Deterrence Force.

Whilst Libya is predicted to make substantial economic progress over the next few years, persistent sources of instability remain, and infighting continues to be a problem proving difficult to solve.