Violent clashes erupted in Tripoli, Libya, in May 2025, following the assassination of Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, a notorious militia leader known as “Ghaniwa.” Al-Kikli, head of the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), was killed during a meeting intended to ease tensions among armed factions. His death triggered a wave of retaliatory attacks between his SSA fighters and the 444 Brigade, a militia loyal to Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. The violence resulted in at least six deaths and widespread panic across the capital.
The SSA, originally founded as the Abu Salim Brigade in 2012, was officially rebranded in 2021 under the Ministry of Interior. Despite its formal status, the SSA operated with considerable autonomy and was implicated in numerous human rights abuses, including torture and extrajudicial killings. Al-Kikli’s militia had significant influence over Tripoli’s security landscape, often engaging in power struggles with other armed groups.
In response to the escalating violence, the Libyan government declared a ceasefire on May 14, 2025. The ceasefire aimed to protect civilians, preserve state institutions, and prevent further escalation. The Ministry of Defence deployed neutral police units to key locations to restore calm, and the Interior Ministry advised citizens to shelter in place for their safety.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed alarm over the situation, condemning the use of violence to settle disputes and calling for an immediate ceasefire. UNSMIL emphasized the need for all parties to protect civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law.
The recent clashes underscore the fragile security situation in Libya, where armed groups continue to exert significant influence over state institutions. The government’s efforts to dismantle these groups and restore order face considerable challenges, as evidenced by the rapid escalation of violence following al-Kikli’s assassination. The international community remains concerned about the potential for further instability and urges all parties to engage in dialogue to achieve a lasting peace.
