Tripoli Needs More Than Threats to Rein in Armed Militias

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In The Media

Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center

Tripoli Needs More Than Threats to Rein in Armed Militias

Recent moves by the military command to rein in armed militias have restored a semblance of order, but the government in Tripoli must find a way to enforce their will over the militias.

By Ahmed Jehani

Published on Sep 26, 2012

Source: National

Armed militias were once the salvation of Libya. Today, they are what stands in Libya's way. In Benghazi, where I recently returned, a large demonstration gathered last weekend to demand the demobilisation and the reintegration of these combatants into the state.

At the very least, the public wanted them to put down their arms and leave. Amazingly, two militias did both.

Read Full Text

This article was originally published in the National.

About the Author

Ahmed Jehani

Former Visiting Scholar, Carnegie Middle East Center

Jehani was a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Middle East Center, where his research focused on law, economics, and the energy sector in Libya and the wider North African region.

Recent Work

Commentary
Libya: Europe’s Soft Underbelly or a Potential Source of Strength?
- Ahmed Jehani

Political Reform Security Maghreb

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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