Summary:

On 13 May 2025, armed clashes erupted in Tripoli between various militias allied with or against the Tripoli government. The clashes followed the killing of a militia leader during a meeting with the Minister of Interior, Imed Trabelsi. 

Fighting began after Dbeibah ordered that several institutions be disbanded, all of which were allied to the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA). During a meeting to resolve the conflicts arising from this decision, the SSA leader, Abdelghani Al-Kikli, called Ghniwa, was killed. 

The clashes resulted in deaths and injuries, including among Libyan civilians, property destruction, looting, and the escape of prisoners, all of which sparked outrage throughout Tripoli.  

Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah, justified the fighting as a necessary operation against militias with control over state institutions and resources, referring to the late Ghniwa’s moves to control the Libyan Post, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Company (LPTIC). 

Thousands of citizens protested on Friday 16 May, calling on Dbeibah to resign. Protestors blamed Dbeibah for the fighting, with some blocking the main roads after calls for civil disobedience following the PM’s refusal to resign. 

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Menfi  countered PM Dbeibah’s orders to disband institutions run by key militias and called for a ceasefire.  

Outlook: 

The clashes are likely to negatively impact the business environment in western Libya and undermine efforts to revitalize the economy especially following reports indicating there have been attacks on the Central Bank. 

The recent fighting reflects the power and control of militias and their ability to hold the stability of Tripoli hostage in order to extract demands from the government or other militias. It also highlights the fragility of the hybrid security system which integrates militias into government institutions. Protests are likely to continue as PM Dbeibah refuses to resign and the populace remains discontent with the impacts of political violence and street fighting.  

The fighting is also likely to deepen tensions between Dbeibah and the Presidential Council as they continue to disagree on whether to try to force the militias to disband and come under one government. The instability in Tripoli is likely to threaten the legitimacy of Dbeibah’s government. Continuation of fighting risks being exploited by Khalifa Haftar’s forces to seize the opportunity and attack Tripoli.   

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