Libya’s authorities, with support from the United Nations, have formed a truce committee to shore up a fragile ceasefire in Tripoli, following recent armed clashes that left six people dead and dozens injured.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) confirmed on Sunday that the ceasefire declared on May 14 remains unstable. In response, a joint committee—led by Libya’s Chief of General Staff, Mohamed Al-Haddad—has been established to oversee the enforcement of the truce and ensure civilian safety.
The committee held its first meeting this week, marking what Libyan and UN officials hope will be a step toward sustained calm in the capital.
The move comes amid heightened tensions sparked by the killing of Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, the head of the Stability Support Apparatus, an armed group with significant influence in Tripoli. His death ignited heavy fighting between government forces and the Rada militia, one of the city’s most powerful armed factions.
Following the incident, the 444th Brigade, affiliated with the Ministry of Defense, seized the headquarters of the Stability Support Apparatus in Tripoli’s Abu Salim district. Government forces quickly moved to assert control over the area.
Libya’s Presidential Council stated that its leader, Mohamed al-Menfi, met with Hanna Tetteh, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya, along with Al-Haddad and senior military commanders, to review the latest developments and coordinate a response to the violence.
Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh publicly commended the security forces for their swift action, praising them for “reestablishing state authority” amid the chaos.
The violence, which began in the early hours of May 14, saw smoke rising over several neighborhoods as clashes erupted between Rada forces and troops aligned with the government. By the end of the day, the Defense Ministry had announced a ceasefire across all affected zones.
Municipal health officials reported that six people lost their lives, and at least 70 were wounded during the unrest.
While the situation has since calmed, UNSMIL has warned that the ceasefire remains delicate. The success of the new truce committee, officials say, will depend on cooperation among Libya’s political and security actors.
As the capital recovers from the latest flare-up, Libyans remain watchful, hoping that efforts to prevent a repeat of the violence will hold.