Understanding the Conflict
Erupting in protest against the arrest of human rights activist, Fathil Terbin. Widely known as a key member in the organization of protests calling for an investigation into the 1996 Abu Salim prison massacre in which up to 1,200 prisoners were killed. The event, largely clouded in mystery, is believed to have begun as a prisoner revolt against poor living conditions, restricted family visits, poor medical care, and more. The fight quickly escalated as the rebellion gained support and guards began firing on prisoners and throwing grenades.
Throughout years of protest the Libyan government has continued to claim no crimes occured. Terbin’s arrest sparked outrage and a chain of protests and uprising began against the rule of Muammar Gaddafi. As tensions rose and protesters took control of Benghazi and surrounding areas, the government retaliated with the utilization of lethal force against demonstrators. With the help of international intervention, Gaddafi was forced into hiding and eventually killed on October 20, 2011. After the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, an attempt to create a democratic state failed, and thus, a civil war between opposing governments began in 2014. Two governments are responsible for the majority of fighting- the tripoli administration (aka. Government of National Accord) gained power in the west while the Tobruk administration maintained power in the east. Although the GNA is recognized internationally by the UN as Libya’s legitimate government, it holds little power with Libya. As no clear government system had the ability to control that state as a whole and maintain order, Libya has become a lawless state known for homing armed groups and extremists.
Humanitarian Fall Out
Throughout Gaddafi’s 42 year rule, Libya had one of the highest standards of living within Africa. As the war demolished much of Libya’s structure and economy, power cuts, medicine shortages, unpredictable fighting, and kidnappings have become an almost daily occurrence. According to the UN over 200,000 people are displaced internally and 1.3 million are in need of humanitarian assistance. Estimations from the International Organization for Migration also estimate there are about 636,000 migrants and refugees within the country, with the large majority from sub-Saharan Africa. Many are kept in unofficial prisons and detention centres controlled by armed groups. Reports describe overcrowding, unhygienic conditions, lack of food and water, forced labour, and abuse.
International Intervention:
In recent years, international intervention has become more frequent as countries aim to protect their own economic interests. Most commonly, forgein parties aim to control Libya’s rich oil supply. Turkey, Qatar, and Italy have been active in providing support for the GNA which is also backed by western countries and the UN. The LNA is supported by Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, and Jordan. International supporters have provided Libya’s rival governments with weapons and guns, as well as recruited soldiers to join the fight.
Recent Developments:
LNA commander and former Libyan Army general Khalifa Haftar’s forces appeared almost unstoppable with the aid of Russian mercenaries and Emirati air power at the beginning of the year. However, after a string of losses brought on by the help of the Turkish military and Syrian fighters, Hafter lost control of Tripoli and was forced to retreat to the southeast. Fourth months after this defeat, the two sides met at a weeklong meeting which ended with both factions agreeing to a complete cease-fire. In addition to the cease-fire agreement, both sides agreed to reopen road and air links throughout Libya, unify security forces, reestablish national control over oil facilities and banks. António Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, described the agreement as a “fundamental step” in ending the years-long conflict.
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