The law of militias in Libya
Facing this difficult situation, the Libyan government, through its internationally and officially recognized National Council serving in Tobruk, seems completely crippled. This government effectively has no power on the ground, since neither the army nor the police can ensure security for its members or cities.
In Misrata (the third most populous city in Libya), the Libya Shield Force, which is close to the ruling Justice and Construction Party (JCP) — the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood — and is based in Misrata, is part of the Fajr Libya Operation and has accepted the Ghadames reconciliation process [Ghadames is on the Algerian border].
The second influential group or militia is Mahmoud Jibril’s National Forces' Alliance (NFA). Its presence extends throughout the region of Zentane and western Libya, and it rules under the banner of the Libyan National Army.
The third group consists of so-called jihadist militias in Derna and Tripoli who refuse dialogue. The language of weapons currently rules and any dialogue requires consensus with these militias because they simply control a large part of the territories and cities. It is noteworthy that most of these militias use Islam to cover up their financial issues and are working hard to maintain the status quo.
Moreover, the interference of foreign states and the interests of neighboring countries are only aggravating the situation and pushing the country to a permanent crisis. These alliances and clan games are not helping the dialogue process because each party wants to negotiate from a position of strength that stems from its occupation or control of land or certain territories.
Derna has become a special case and has proven yet again how easily Libya can fall into blind radicalism.
All the people in the city are threatened by the application of so-called Islamic laws. The threats are burdensome to the extent that hundreds of families have left Derna and headed toward other cities in eastern Libya. They entertain hopes of a possible UN intervention so that they can resume their normal lives.