Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah declared on Saturday that dismantling militias remains an “ongoing project” as a ceasefire, following deadly clashes in Tripoli, continues to hold.
“We will not spare anyone involved in corruption or extortion. Our goal is a Libya free of militias and corruption,” Dbeibah said in a televised speech.
The ceasefire followed fierce clashes on Tuesday between rival armed groups in Tripoli, triggered by the death of militia leader Abdulghani Kikli, also known as Ghaniwa. At least eight civilians were killed during the fighting, according to the United Nations.
The clashes erupted after Dbeibah ordered the dismantling of the armed groups. Following Kikli’s death and the defeat of his group, the Stabilisation Support Apparatus (SSA), by factions aligned with Dbeibah, a ceasefire was announced on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister’s office later released a video showing Dbeibah greeting the security forces protecting the government building, highlighting what it described as a “successful security operation in Abu Salim.”
In response to the violence, at least three ministers resigned, expressing solidarity with protesters calling for Dbeibah’s removal. Dbeibah dismissed the protests, suggesting many were paid.
The UN Support Mission in Libya urged all parties to protect civilians and public property amid the violence.
Libya has struggled with instability since the 2011 NATO-backed ouster of Muammar Gaddafi, and the country remains divided between rival factions in the east and west. Despite this, Libya’s oil and gas exports continue, with operations reported to be normal by the state oil firm NOC.