TRIPOLI, May 18, 2025 — Hundreds of protesters took to Tripoli’s Martyrs’ Square for the third consecutive day, demanding the resignation of Libya’s Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah amid escalating political tensions following a deadly militia clash earlier this week.
The demonstrations turned violent on Friday when protesters attempted to storm the prime minister’s office, resulting in the death of one security officer and damage to the government compound. Demonstrators chanted “The nation wants to topple the government” while brandishing posters defacing Dbeibah and key security officials.
The Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Dbeibah, took a big hit on Friday when three key ministers quit to back the protesters. Economy Minister Mohamed al-Hawij, Local Government Minister Badr Eddin al-Tumi, and Housing Minister Abu Bakr al-Ghawi all left their posts. Some reports claim up to eight ministers might have stepped down, but this hasn’t been confirmed.
“We cannot continue to serve in a government that refuses to listen to the legitimate demands of the Libyan people,” al-Hawij said in his resignation statement. “Elections are long overdue, and the current administration has lost its mandate to govern.”
The political crisis was triggered by a military operation ordered by Dbeibah on May 12 to dismantle armed groups in the capital, which resulted in the killing of prominent militia leader Abdel Ghani Kikli, known as “Ghaniwa.” The operation, which Dbeibah framed as an effort to restore state authority, led to the worst fighting Tripoli has seen in years.
The killing of Kikli, whose Security Stabilisation Apparatus (SSA) had controlled much of Tripoli’s internal security apparatus and financial institutions, has dramatically shifted the balance of power among the capital’s armed groups.
Military analyst Karim Mezran told journalists, “Dbeibah is trying to consolidate control by replacing Kikli’s influence with militias loyal to him, particularly the 444 Brigade and Misrata’s Joint Force. This is less about restoring state authority and more about power consolidation.”
A ceasefire announced on May 14 has temporarily calmed the militia fighting, but the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) reported that at least eight civilians were killed in the clashes, highlighting the continuing humanitarian toll of Libya’s fractured political landscape.
Despite the political turmoil, Libya’s oil production—the backbone of the country’s economy—remains unaffected. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported normal operations with production holding steady at 1.376 million barrels per day.
“The oil fields and export terminals are far from the unrest in Tripoli, and most remain under the control of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces in the east,” said energy consultant Nadia Ramali. “This separation has, ironically, kept Libya’s economy from complete collapse during these recurring political crises.”
The international community has expressed growing concern about the situation. UNSMIL condemned the violence and urged all parties to prioritise civilian safety, but has not proposed concrete steps to resolve the crisis.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Turkey, a key Dbeibah ally, continues to support his government, while Haftar’s international backers—Russia, the UAE, and Egypt—are closely monitoring developments for opportunities to advance their interests.
The UK’s ambassador to Libya, Caroline Norton, issued a statement calling for restraint: “We urge all parties to step back from violence and commit to a peaceful democratic transition. The Libyan people deserve elections and a government with a clear popular mandate.”
As protests continue, Libya faces several possible scenarios. Political analysts suggest Dbeibah may attempt to further consolidate power by neutralising rival militias, but this approach risks triggering renewed conflict.
“Libya stands at a critical crossroads,” said conflict analyst Wolfram Lacher. “Without a clear path to elections and national reconciliation, the country risks sliding back into the factional violence that has plagued it since 2011.”
For now, Tripoli remains tense but relatively calm as protesters vow to continue demonstrations until their demands for Dbeibah’s resignation and national elections are met.
