For years, the Dabaiba family has been at the centre of power in western Libya. Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba headed the Government of National Unity (GNU), while his nephew and national security adviser, Ibrahim Dabaiba, operated as one of its most influential political figures.
That arrangement is increasingly coming apart. Over the past year, a growing rivalry between Ibrahim and the prime minister’s son, Mohamed Dabaiba, has developed into a struggle for control over the GNU’s political alliances, economic institutions and future.
A family divided into two camps
The rivalry began taking shape as Ibrahim grew increasingly frustrated with his uncle’s management of the GNU, particularly his tendency to create political crises through ill-judged statements and decisions.
When Abdulhamid experienced heart problems last year, Ibrahim reportedly seized the opportunity to expand his influence. His ambitions became more apparent during negotiations with the Libyan National Army (LNA) under the U.S.-backed initiative, where he began positioning himself as a potential successor to his uncle in any future political settlement.
This brought him into direct competition with Mohamed Dabaiba, previously a relatively marginal figure in the GNU’s power structure. Mohamed stepped forward to defend his father’s position and has since emerged as Ibrahim’s principal internal rival.
The division has produced two increasingly identifiable camps.
