logo
'Libya Build' Expo Turns to Battleground as Militias Overrun Capital

'Libya Build' Expo Turns to Battleground as Militias Overrun Capital

Libya Review26-05-2025
Libya may have just hosted 'the world's worst conference.' The event, held in Tripoli on May 12 under the title 'Libya Build', was promoted as the largest construction expo ever organized in North Africa, according to The Economist.
It attracted international delegates from China, Turkey, and Malta, with the optimistic slogan: 'Let's Build Libya Together.'
Instead, what unfolded was a descent into chaos. As guests arrived, mortars began falling. Gunmen in trucks mounted with heavy machine guns seized control of half the capital. Burned-out cars lined the streets. Schools, banks, and markets shut their gates. Militias stormed the Central Bank.
Even the gazelles were stolen from Tripoli's zoo. Britain abruptly reversed its recently eased travel advice, urging citizens to avoid the capital, while Turkey airlifted its nationals to safety.
This breakdown underscored the failure of Tripoli's post-Gaddafi 'reset.' The Government of National Unity (GNU) in the west, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba, once a construction tycoon, was always weaker than Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the General Commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA).
Unlike Haftar, Dbaiba's authority relies on a precarious coalition of militias. As Libya's oil revenues declined and government funds dwindled, Dbaiba's payouts decreased, prompting unrest among the very groups that once supported him.
The immediate trigger was reportedly financial: with the coffers empty, militias sought new income by, for instance, kidnapping utility executives. Then, in a move meant to neutralize a threat, Dbaiba's forces killed militia leader Abdul Ghani al-Kikli during a meeting. The assassination provoked Tripoli's most powerful armed group, the Salafist Special Deterrence Force (Rada), which retaliated and took control of half the capital.
In the aftermath, Tripolitanians, exhausted by years of misrule and broken promises, took to the streets demanding elections, an end to militia dominance, and reunification of Libya. Many now view Dbaiba as one of the 'fulul'—a term used to describe holdovers from the Gaddafi era.
Dbaiba, seen by many diplomats as a fading figure, is said to have sent his family to London. Desperate to appear in control, he called fighters from his hometown of Misrata to secure Tripoli. They reportedly fired on demonstrators.
With Tripoli's main airport under Rada's control, Dbaiba reopened the long-closed international airport and vowed to turn Kikli's former militia base into a public park. He has branded remaining militias 'blackmailers, criminals, and sharks.'
But without their support, his grip grows increasingly fragile. His ministers have begun to resign. Parliament has declared Dbaiba 'illegitimate' and named potential successors. Meanwhile, reports suggest troop movements in Sirte, Zawiya, Zintan, and Ghadames, possibly in preparation for a broader push by Haftar's forces.
For now, Dbaiba remains in office, but, as The Economist concludes, 'Libyans and foreign diplomats have begun to speak of his rule in the past tense.' At least, with the airport reopened, 'he has a way to escape'.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Benghazi Set to Host Barcelona for Historic Friendly Match
Benghazi Set to Host Barcelona for Historic Friendly Match

Libya Review

timea day ago

  • Libya Review

Benghazi Set to Host Barcelona for Historic Friendly Match

On Saturday, Libya's Parliament-designated government reached a preliminary agreement with FC Barcelona for a high-profile friendly match to be played in Benghazi, as well as a plan to launch a full-scale sports academy in Libya. During an official meeting held at FC Barcelona's headquarters in Spain, Libya's Minister of Investment, Ali Al-Saeedi Al-Qaidi, met with FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta. Also attending the meeting was Libyan Member of Parliament Al-Salihin Abdel Nabi. The discussions centered on strengthening sports cooperation, cultural exchange, and long-term development projects between Libya and the Spanish football giant. The most prominent outcome of the meeting was the initial agreement for FC Barcelona's first team to play a friendly match at Benghazi International Stadium. The event would mark a historic moment for Libyan sports, symbolizing a major step toward Libya's reintegration into the international sports scene. In addition to the friendly match, both sides reached an understanding on the creation of a comprehensive sports academy in Libya, with technical and administrative backing from FC Barcelona. The academy would serve as a hub for nurturing young talent across various sports disciplines, supported by Barcelona's expert trainers and staff. The talks also covered the launch of the 'Barça Experience' project in Libya, an initiative designed to transfer Barcelona's renowned expertise in sports training, management, and development to Libyan athletes and sports professionals. The project aims to cultivate a culture of professionalism and modern sports development in Libya. Libya's Ministry of Investment described the deal as part of its broader strategic investment plan, which focuses on developing the country's sports infrastructure, promoting youth engagement, and attracting international partnerships. Officials emphasized that investing in sports is not just about recreation but also about creating economic opportunities and strengthening national unity. They see this partnership as a platform for advancing Libya's image abroad and empowering young Libyans through professional sports. Tags: BarcelonabenghazilibyaLibyan Government

UNSMIL Launches Youth Participation Initiative for Political Talks
UNSMIL Launches Youth Participation Initiative for Political Talks

Libya Review

time3 days ago

  • Libya Review

UNSMIL Launches Youth Participation Initiative for Political Talks

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has announced the opening of registration for young men and women from across southern Libya to participate in an upcoming political dialogue session. The initiative is part of UNSMIL's '#YouthEngages' program, aimed at fostering greater involvement of Libya's youth in shaping the country's political future. In its announcement on Thursday, UNSMIL invited youth from southern municipalities and cities to register for the discussion, which will take place virtually on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM via the Zoom platform. The session will last for 90 minutes and is designed to collect the opinions, concerns, and proposals of young Libyans regarding the country's political process. The mission stated that the dialogue would focus on the proposals presented by the Advisory Committee, while also exploring broader concerns, aspirations, and priorities raised by participants. The goal is to ensure that young people have an active voice in discussions about Libya's political transition and national reconciliation efforts. Libyans aged between 18 and 35 are eligible to apply by completing the online registration form before 10:00 AM on Monday, July 7. The registration link provided is: UNSMIL emphasized that registering does not automatically guarantee participation. Selected individuals will be contacted after their applications are reviewed and approved. The mission also noted that additional virtual and in-person consultation sessions will be held soon to expand youth engagement. Tags: libyaPolitical RoadmapSouth Libyaunsmil

Libyan Parliament Launches National Migration Observatory
Libyan Parliament Launches National Migration Observatory

Libya Review

time3 days ago

  • Libya Review

Libyan Parliament Launches National Migration Observatory

The Libyan House of Representatives has officially established the 'National Migration Observatory' as an independent state institution under Decision No. 87 of 2023, published in the official gazette on 29 June 2025. The decision was signed by Speaker Aguila Saleh in Benghazi on 21 November 2023, based on Libya's interim constitutional declaration and various migration-related laws. The Observatory will operate as a legal entity with administrative and financial independence, reporting solely to the legislative authority. Its headquarters will be in Tripoli, with official branches in Benghazi and Sebha. Additional offices may be opened by decision of the Board Chair. The Board of Directors will be appointed by the Speaker of Parliament and will act as the National High Committee for Migration Strategy. The board will elect a chair and a rapporteur, with the chair representing the institution locally and internationally. The board will also appoint a secretary-general and spokesperson. The Observatory's duties include monitoring migration flows, implementing the national migration strategy, and coordinating with local and international partners. It will oversee detention centres, repatriation processes, and agreements on migration. It is authorised to sign memorandums with foreign partners aligned with Libya's migration policies. The Observatory will build a national database of Libyans abroad, support their return, and track migration-related human rights issues. It can issue legal reports, media statements, and recommendations on migration policy. It is authorised to act against local and foreign violations of Libya's migration laws. Funding will come from the national budget, supplemented by approved donations. Financial operations will be subject to internal audits. The Observatory will have its own media centre and website, and represent Libya at migration-related international events. The decision took effect immediately upon its publication in the official gazette. Tags: Immigrationlibyamigrantsparliament

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store