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Libya Ministers Quit as Protests and Violence Escalate in Tripoli
Several Libyan ministers resign supporting protests calling for PM Dbeibah to step down amid deadly clashes in Tripoli. Security situation deteriorates as calls for elections grow louder.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-17
Libya Ministers Quit as Protests and Violence Escalate in Tripoli

Several ministers from Libya’s internationally recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) have resigned in solidarity with widespread protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. The resignations come amid escalating violence in the capital Tripoli, where a police officer was killed during an attempted assault on the prime minister’s office.

The government confirmed the death of the officer, who was shot by unidentified assailants. Protesters and unidentified groups attempted to set fire to the prime minister’s office using Molotov cocktails as thousands of Libyans gathered in various parts of Tripoli, voicing frustration over the prolonged political instability and deteriorating security.

Notable resignations include Economy and Trade Minister Mohamed al-Hawij, Local Government Minister Badr Eddin al-Tumi, and Minister of Housing Abu Bakr al-Ghawi. While the government initially denied reports of resignations earlier on Friday, videos released by the ministers themselves confirmed their decisions to step down in support of the protest movement.

Meanwhile, in the eastern city of Misrata, thousands rallied in support of Prime Minister Dbeibah, illustrating the divided sentiments across the country.

The protests follow a violent week in Tripoli marked by deadly clashes that resulted in at least eight civilian deaths. The violence erupted after the killing of influential militia leader Abdelghani al-Kikli, also known as Gheniwa, in an ambush at a military base. The killing heightened tensions and led to further clashes as the prime minister sought to consolidate control.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has underscored the citizens’ right to peaceful protest and cautioned against any escalation of violence, calling on all parties to exercise restraint.

Speaking from Tripoli, Al Jazeera correspondent Malik Traina said the protests reflect deep frustration among Libyans who are demanding national elections and an end to political deadlock.

“Libyans are calling for elections and want to be able to voice their opinion and put those that they want in power,” Traina said.

In response to the turmoil, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged maximum restraint from all parties and advised Egyptian nationals in Libya to stay indoors until the situation stabilizes.

Libya remains divided since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising, which ousted longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi but left the country split between rival administrations. Dbeibah’s GNU controls western Libya, while forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar govern the east. National elections, originally scheduled for late 2021, have been repeatedly postponed amid political disputes and security concerns.

As protests intensify, Libya faces increasing pressure to resolve its political crisis and restore stability through democratic processes.

 
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