- Armed factions to leave Tripoli
- Regular forces to replace them
- Goal to restore stability
Following a series of lethal confrontations, armed factions in Tripoli have reached a consensus to vacate the Libyan capital and be replaced with regular forces, according to the interior minister of the country.
“We have reached an agreement with the security groups that they will vacate the capital shortly after a month of consultations,” Imad Trabelsi, a member of the internationally recognized administration of Libya, announced on Wednesday.
“Only city police officers, emergency personnel, and those engaged in criminal investigations will be present,” he stated at a news conference.
Withdrawal of Armed Groups Agreement
As part of the agreement, Brigade 111, affiliated with the general staff, Brigade 444 in southern Tripoli, the Special Deterrence Force that administers the eastern region of Tripoli, and the General Security Force will all withdraw from the capital.
The decision also pertains to the Stability Support Authority (SSA). The SSA is an organization headquartered in the Abu Salim neighborhood where ten individuals. Including SSA members, were murdered over the weekend.
These “security groups” emerged following the 2011 revolution that toppled longstanding ruler Muammar Gaddafi. A multitude of militias attempted to fill the resulting security void.
while receiving public financing, they act autonomously of the Interior and Defence Ministries while being well armed and equipped.
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In 2021, the prime minister and presidential council granted them autonomy.
Armed Groups in Tripoli: Checkpoints and Conflict
The groups have been particularly conspicuous at intersections of major thoroughfares and roundabouts. Where their frequently masked members have set up checkpoints by obstructing traffic with weaponized armored vehicles.
Even in Tripoli’s residential areas, they have occasionally engaged in violent confrontations. This was the case last August between Brigade 444 and the Special Deterrence Force. Clashes resulted in the loss of 55 lives and 146 injuries.
“They shall henceforth be located at their headquarters,” Trabelsi declared.
“They will be utilized exclusively under extraordinary circumstances for designated missions,” he stated, adding that the group commanders “have all demonstrated comprehension.”
He stated, “After Tripoli, it will be time for the other cities, where neither checkpoints nor armed groups will be present on public roads.”
Since the uprising of 2011, armed conflict and political anarchy have ravaged Libya.
The nation is currently divided into two parts: to the west, an internationally recognized government headquartered in Tripoli and headed by interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. And to the east, an administration supported by the rebellious general Khalifa Haftar.
