11-16 March: Armed groups exchange fire in Tripoli

Mar 18, 2021 | Libyan actors

This week, as the new reformed Presidential Council (PC) and Government of National Unity (GNU) came into power, skirmishes took place in Tripoli and Bani Walid.

On 9 March, the Tripoli Protection Force (TPF) militia called on members of the House of Representatives (HoR) to pass a vote of confidence in the cabinet list presented by Abdul Hameed Dabaiba. According to the TPF, any delay by the HoR would be a threat to the political process and the economy and could lead to chaos.

On 11-12 March, armed groups exchanged fire in Tripoli. The Lions of Tajoura militia clashed with the Daman militia, which is affiliated with the Government of National Accord (GNA), leading to the closure of several roads. The incident is reported to have followed kidnappings by the Daman militia intended to force the Lions of Tajoura to exchange detainees.

On 14 March, clashes occurred at a checkpoint in Bani Walid between the 444 Brigade and local armed civilians. One civilian was reportedly killed and another injured. The 444 Brigade is reported to have withdrawn temporarily from Bani Walid after incurring three casualties from their forces.

On 15–16 March, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) met in Sirte to discuss progress on the military track of the peace process. In particular, the JMC discussed the removal of mines in preparation for reopening the coastal road at Sirte, as well as the withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya.