In a big step for Libya, rival armed groups and government officials have just agreed on an important security deal to protect key places in the capital city, Tripoli. Announced by Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi, this deal aims to bring some stability to the city amidst rising tensions and fears of renewed civil war.
Why This Deal Matters
The agreement involves keeping important sites safe, like airports, land borders, and government buildings, including the central bank. Minister Trabelsi explained that this move is crucial to prevent further chaos in Libya, a country that has struggled with conflict since 2011, when a NATO-backed uprising ended the rule of dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
What’s Behind the Deal?
The security deal comes after some intense events. On July 23, forces from the Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, moved westward. This triggered a reaction from the Libyan National Army (LNA), commanded by Khalifa Haftar, who then moved troops toward southwestern Libya on August 9. This raised concerns for neighboring Algeria.
Violence also erupted in Tajoura, a district east of Tripoli, on August 9. Nine people died, and there was significant damage after an assassination attempt on a militia leader. Thankfully, local efforts have calmed things down since then.
Political Ups and Downs
Libya’s politics are also in turmoil. In early August, Mohammed Takala was chosen as the new leader of the Tripoli-based High State Council (HSC), replacing Khaled al-Mishri. This change has added to the confusion in Libya’s already divided political scene. On August 13, some members of the House of Representatives (HoR) voted to end the GNU’s mandate and give military control to the Speaker of the HoR. However, this decision was not accepted by Western leaders.
Following these political shifts, armed groups in Tripoli’s Souk Al Jumma district got ready for action after hearing rumors about a possible takeover of the Central Bank. Although the situation was defused by August 15, tensions are still high.
The Central Bank Crisis
The Libyan central bank is now a key battleground in this power struggle. The bank is the only place recognized internationally to hold Libya’s oil revenue. The bank’s governor, Seddik al-Kabir, has faced criticism from Dbeibah’s allies over how oil money and the state budget are being managed. On August 18, Musaab Muslamm, the bank’s IT head, was kidnapped but later released. This incident briefly stopped the bank’s operations, and al-Kabir’s removal by the Tripoli-based Presidential Council was rejected by the HoR and Haftar’s side.
What’s Next for Libya?
While the new security deal offers a temporary break from the chaos, Libya’s underlying problems are far from resolved. Armed groups are still on edge, and the fight for control of the central bank continues. This means that the risk of renewed civil war remains a real concern for Libya’s future.
