Political tensions in Libya have intensified in recent days, prompting renewed concerns that the country could once again descend into large-scale internal conflict.
According to reports from international media outlets, divisions among political factions and armed groups have deepened, raising fears of a fresh power struggle in a nation that has experienced years of instability since the overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
The latest developments unfolded after Libyan military commander Salah Badi issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, the head of the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU), demanding his resignation and warning of unspecified consequences should he refuse to step down.
Badi, who has previously played a prominent role in armed conflicts involving rival Libyan factions, has also publicly supported demonstrations against the government in the capital, Tripoli, and has called for a change in leadership.
Adding to the political uncertainty, Ali Madhi, a political activist from the western city of Misrata, announced the formation of a new administration and declared himself prime minister.
His announcement has further complicated Libya’s already fragmented political landscape and has intensified the struggle for authority in the country.
Multiple centres of power
Libya has remained divided for years between competing political institutions, military organizations, and regional power centres. Several individuals and groups continue to claim legitimacy and seek leadership of the country.
Among the most prominent figures are:
- Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), who exercises considerable influence in eastern Libya.
- Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, the prime minister of the Government of National Unity, which continues to receive international recognition and operates primarily from Tripoli.
- Shahid Gaddar, a political activist who has also expressed ambitions to assume a leadership role.
- Mustafa Al-Majub, who has announced the establishment of an alternative administration from outside Libya.
Observers have also pointed to the continued political influence of individuals associated with the family of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, whose legacy continues to shape the country’s political landscape.
Concerns over renewed conflict
Analysts warn that the growing number of competing centres of authority could further undermine efforts to establish national unity and hold long-delayed elections.
Libya’s strategic importance, extensive oil reserves, and geographic location have also attracted the attention of regional and international powers, many of which continue to support rival political and military factions.
Although it remains unclear whether the present tensions will escalate into another civil war, the emergence of additional claimants to political authority has heightened uncertainty and increased concerns regarding the country’s future stability.
For many Libyans, the prospect of renewed conflict raises fears of further economic hardship, political fragmentation, and humanitarian suffering in a country that has struggled to achieve lasting peace for more than a decade.
