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Libya’s Post-Revolution Landscape: Navigating the Aftermath of UAE Interference

Basil Al Sayed
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Libya’s Post-Revolution Landscape: Navigating the Aftermath of UAE Interference
the anniversary of revolution

Watan-Libya still struggles to establish the foundations of a modern and prosperous democratic state on the 13th anniversary of its revolution on February 17, 2011.

The February 17 Revolution toppled the regime of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring wave, following the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt.

Libyans continue to remember every year the atmosphere of victory and joy that swept across their country after the killing of the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in October 2011.

The goal of this movement was to transition Libya to a new phase that establishes freedom, justice, and democracy after overthrowing the one-man rule.

Mansour Attie wrote about this: “On such a day… I will never forget the youth of the city of Ajdabiya in the early hours of February 17… the spontaneous surge of the people led by their youth… between excitement and astonishment, I captured these images of these youth… the sons of the first moment.”

The Transitional National Council after the overthrow of Gaddafi

The Transitional National Council was formed after the overthrow of Gaddafi, with Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil, to be the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people and the face of the ongoing popular revolution.

Despite positive signs indicating the possibility of a near and comprehensive solution, Libya still suffers from political conflict and a blocked horizon.

Preparations were made at that time for the first free and democratic legislative elections that Libya had been deprived of for more than four decades.

These elections were held in July 2012 to elect 200 members of the General National Congress with the participation of around 2.9 million voters.

Badr Shniba wrote about the Libyan revolution on February 17: “The February revolution is principles that, God willing, will be achieved one day by the hands of its youth or by the hands of future generations. We will not forget that candle that illuminated the darkness of our days.”

2014 Elections and Internal Division

In June 2014, elections were held for members of the Constituent Assembly to formulate a permanent project for the country, and in the same month, elections were held for the House of Representatives.

However, divisions hindered the completion of democratic achievements and prevented any hope of reaching an agreement that would fulfill the aspirations of the people on February 17.

Libya has so far been unable to draft a permanent constitution and form unified state institutions, while the conflict between the Western and Eastern governments continues, even though the former enjoys international recognition.

Political and Constitutional Void in Libya

The failure of parliamentarians to draft a constitution for the country led to a political and constitutional void, exploited by the counter-revolution led by the UAE-backed general Khalifa Haftar, commander of the forces in eastern Libya.

Haftar worked to divide the military institution and attempted to control the oil wealth, leading to economic collapse and igniting wars that impoverished the people and caused chaos across the country.

Libyans currently find themselves faced with two governments: the internationally recognized Government of National Unity and the government supported by the House of Representatives after years of wars and bloody clashes.

Libya has witnessed numerous political and social upheavals that have led to the succession of several governments in managing the country’s affairs, some of which have not been internationally recognized.

UAE Intervention in Libya

The annual report of the International Sanctions Committee in 2017 confirmed the repeated violation by the UAE of the international sanctions imposed on Libya by bypassing the arms embargo imposed on it.

Abu Dhabi provided military support to the coupists against legitimacy, as several other Arab countries such as Yemen, Egypt, and Sudan supported the forces of the retired general Khalifa Haftar with non-lethal shipments.

This support increased the capabilities of Haftar’s air forces, which played a major role in the increasing numbers of casualties in the conflict raging in Libya.

Failure to Enter Tripoli

Despite Haftar’s support from Russia, the UAE, and Egypt, and the intervention of mercenaries from the Wagner Group, the coupists failed to enter the capital, Tripoli.

To prevent the continuation of the spiral of violence and internal war, the Libyan parties reached an agreement to form a presidential council led by Mohammed al-Menfi and the current Government of National Unity led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.

However, repeated disputes between the unity government and the House of Representatives have hindered the elections scheduled for the end of 2021, and the situation remains the same until today.

While the internationally recognized Government of National Unity was preparing to celebrate the anniversary of February 17th, the government appointed by the House of Representatives announced the cancellation of official celebrations under the pretext of solidarity with the victims of Storm Daniel that hit areas and cities of the Green Mountain, and this government played a major role in the fall of the victims.

The European Union Mission in Libya interacted with the anniversary of February 17th with a tweet saying: “The European Union Mission in Libya congratulates the Libyan people on the occasion of the anniversary of February 17th and remains committed to supporting them in their quest for a future filled with unity, peace, and prosperity.”

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