Libya’s capital descends into chaos after militia showdown

The Libyan capital, Tripoli, descended into chaos this past week as deadly clashes between rival armed groups paralyzed the city and reignited public outrage against the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Abdelhamid Dbeibah.

The violence, which broke out between May 12 and 15, has prompted several countries to evacuate their nationals.

On Friday, Egypt repatriated 71 of its citizens from Tripoli aboard a special EgyptAir flight, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. The operation followed warnings issued on May 14 urging Egyptians still in Libya to exercise extreme caution.

This evacuation comes amid the growing volatility in Tripoli, where the government’s attempt to dismantle powerful militias backfired. Prime Minister Dbeibah declared the disbanding of all armed groups controlling the capital, accusing them of becoming “stronger than the state.” The move triggered fierce fighting with factions that had long maintained a tenuous balance of power in the city.

At least eight civilians were killed during the clashes, according to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). 

Although a fragile ceasefire was announced on May 15, tensions remain high, with many fearing the fighting could reignite at any moment.

In a sign of rising discontent, hundreds of Tripoli residents took to the streets Friday evening to demand the removal of the GNU, which they accuse of incompetence and enabling militia dominance. Their anger reflects deep frustration with the political deadlock and insecurity that has plagued Libya for over a decade.

Libya, once one of North Africa’s wealthiest nations due to its vast oil reserves, has remained deeply fractured since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. 

Today, the country is split between two rival governments: the Dbeibah-led GNU in the west, and a parallel administration based in the east, supported by powerful military commander Khalifa Haftar.

The recent violence underscores just how fragile Tripoli’s security situation remains. While international flights have resumed and daily life has gradually returned, the specter of armed conflict looms large over a city long trapped between competing centers of power.

Turkey, which maintains significant influence in western Libya, also evacuated 82 of its citizens last week, further highlighting international concern over the escalating instability.

Unless structural reforms and real demilitarization are achieved, analysts warn, Tripoli risks sliding deeper into lawlessness — a scenario that would jeopardize not only Libya’s future but regional stability as well.