Libya: Tension rises again in Tripoli among Militias

New clashes broke out between militias following the arrest of several Chadian mercenaries who, according to the Libyan authorities, formed a “criminal group” that “looted and stole”.

 

These mercenaries were under the leadership of Osama Jouili, head of the military forces of western Libya. The arrest order was given by Fathi Bachagha, the Interior Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA). The two men belong to the same political camp but are strongly opposed to each other.

This is not the first time that disputes between militias in western Libya have broken out in broad daylight with machine guns. This happened on numerous occasions before, during and after the failed offensive by Marshal Khalifa Haftar to seize the capital.

According to several UN reports, the militias in Libya today look more like cartels, each defending its own interests and seeking to steal the state’s revenues while taking advantage of its weakness and widespread corruption.

 

Observers have suggested that the militias’ aim is to dominate and influence political decision-making. When the interests of these militias collide, the situation explodes and divisions reappear.

Fathi Bachagha’s underlying objective would be to take control of Tripoli with Misrata’s militias. Recently, he has ordered the arrest of several militia leaders in Tripoli and others have been liquidated in several cities.

Last July, the message from the Tripoli militias was clear: they challenged Fathi Bachagha, the current strongman of western Libya, driving military vehicles across the streets of the capital. They also showed their support for Osama Jouili, military leader and former Defense Minister, close to Prime Minister Fayez el-Sarraj.