Libya: Security situation to remain unstable due to lack of unified security force and government

Event

The security situation in Libya will likely remain unstable through at least August primarily due to intermittent fighting and armed clashes among various rival militia groups across the country. Competing government institutions, as well as geopolitical rivalries, have profoundly complicated the security situation in Libya. Kidnapping, political assassinations, criminal activity, and skirmishes and clashes between opposing militia groups are among the most severe problems.

Some 75 delegates selected from a combination of individuals from Libyan social groups, nominated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and representatives from the House of Representatives, recently engaged in peace negotiations. The negotiations are known as the Libya Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF). This led to the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), with Abdul Hamid Dbeibah serving as the country's transitional prime minister. The objective of the UNSMIL is to bring about a consensus on a unified governance framework that can pave the way for national elections on Dec. 24. However, the most significant obstacle in reaching a political agreement among the rival political representatives is agreeing upon a constitution that lays out the functions of the future government.

The absence of a cohesive governing body and unified security forces could enable militant organizations, such as Islamic State (IS), to regain a foothold in the country. Despite being pushed out of its regional stronghold of Sirte in late 2016, IS still carries out attacks across Libya. Additionally, large demonstrations occur frequently throughout Libya in response to socioeconomic and political issues; protests can turn violent.

Infrastructure
Heavy fighting in the years following the 2011 uprising has taken a substantial toll on Libyan infrastructure. Electricity lines undergo frequent interruptions, and water outages are common; outages can last for several hours at a time, even in the capital. Rolling blackouts are common during the summer months as power demand increases. Armed groups often disrupt planned outages by attacking power distribution sites and forcing staff to change the scheduled power loading cycle between districts. The Western Military command has assigned increased security to such sites, which may mitigate the impact. Tripoli International Airport (TIP) remains closed after clashes between rival militias in 2014 destroyed most of the airport's facilities. Most flights in Libya operate out of Mitiga International Airport (MJI), although airports in Misrata (MRA) and Benghazi (BEN) also operate international flights.

Conflict and Political Disunity
Libya continues to suffer from a lack of unified political leadership. While Dbeibah serves as the country's prime minister, the commander of the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) - based in eastern Libya - continues to challenge his legitimacy. The existence of disparate, competing government institutions has led to increased instability in the country and has complicated Libyan bureaucracy.

Despite the establishment of the GNU, fighting could persist between various factions until a comprehensive political settlement is achieved. Heightened security and significant transport and business disruptions are likely near Tripoli and its surrounding areas.

Security Services
There is no unified, professional security force operating in Libya. Local militias - which often have conflicting and evolving allegiances and political and territorial objectives - are generally responsible for providing security. Clashes between heavily armed rival militias are common, even in the capital, and frequently result in casualties and property damage.

Militancy
While Libyan forces mostly cleared IS militants from their stronghold in Sirte by late 2016, the group continues to conduct operations in the country. The group has a limited capacity. Since 2019, IS activity has occurred mainly in the southern region, with the latest attacks in June 2021 coming after a period of inactivity. Several arrest and interdiction operations have also been reported against both IS and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in the southern region, primarily around Obari to the west of Sabha, further degrading their operational capacity. However, the IS group still represents a threat in the country and can carry out low-tech suicide attacks at high-profile locations to maximize media coverage and group attacks against isolated locations in the south.

Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups in Libya maintain a presence near Benghazi, Derna, and the country's southern border. The LNA remains focused on eradicating such groups from these regions and frequently carries out security operations to oust militants from these areas.

Civil Unrest
Civil unrest often occurs in Libya, especially in the form of labor strikes and protests. Large demonstrations frequently take place in response to contentious social and political issues, including foreign intervention in Libya and ongoing currency and electricity shortages. In Tripoli, most rallies tend to take place in Martyrs' Square. All protests have the potential to devolve into violence.

Context

The inability of rival political factions to reconcile has compounded the volatile security situation. The polarization in Libyan politics and the consequent incapacity to consolidate rival militias into a functional, professional national armed force has created a security vacuum in the country. Moreover, since militias remain the most powerful actors in the country, any attempt to facilitate a political agreement without unified militia support is likely to fail.

However, any peace deal will be tenuous, partly because of the multiple foreign countries that support competing factions in Libya. The UN has stated that foreign fighters and mercenaries in the country are causing a serious crisis. Despite the recent agreements, foreign fighters supported by Turkey and Russia have remained in the country. At the same time, Turkey has also remained intransigent on calls for the withdrawal of its national forces, which it argues are legally allowed under the security agreement between Turkey and the former Government of National Accord (GNA). Until external players seriously commit to a peace agreement in Libya, prospects for peace and stability remain very limited. While Egypt, France, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia back the LNA, Turkey, Italy, and Qatar provided support to the GNA. These countries' pursuit of divergent interests in Libya complicates efforts to arrive at a meaningful political settlement. Despite the creation of the GNU, the country remains split between east and west, with their respective international backers being largely unchanged.

Advice

If in Libya, comply with the instructions of local authorities and security personnel. If possible, limit exposure to official buildings that may be targeted by armed groups, such as security checkpoints and local government offices. When exiting Libya, confirm with local contacts that border crossings and/or airports are operational and verify onward transportation before checking out of accommodations.

Plan for possible clashes and significant travel disruptions if operating in southern and southwestern Libya. If fighting intensifies, remain sheltered in a secure location, preferably indoors, away from exterior walls and windows. Prepare for heightened security, including checkpoints. Carry official identification at all times. Remain calm and nonconfrontational and comply with authorities' directions if confronted. Do not attempt to bypass security checkpoints; even an accidental breach of the security cordon near a checkpoint may prompt security forces to respond aggressively.