Tripoli remains in suspense as tensions continue

Government of National Unity (GNU) Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba is continuing efforts to gain an advantage over the Rada Special Deterrence Forces, as well as to antagonize them, without prematurely resuming the conflict. Dabaiba has not given up his goal of dismantling Rada and hopes to relaunch an offensive against them, but he does not feel confident he can win a military confrontation at this time. The Prime Minister is trying to gain an advantage through continued outreach to Misrata and greater cooperation with Presidential Council Chairman Mohammed al-Mnefi. He is ultimately pushing the limits of what he can accomplish without provoking a direct response from Rada. However, Rada is not Dabaiba’s only concern, as protests are expected to continue in the capital.

A closer look

GNU Prime Minister Dabaiba has continued efforts to realign Tripoli’s security situation in his favour without provoking a direct response from Rada. He ordered the resignation of Judicial Police head Sabry Hadiya and replaced him with the Ministry of Justice Undersecretary, Ali Al-Shtewi. The Judicial Police are firmly under Rada’s control and have been a frequent target of Dabaiba in his attempt to legitimize his campaign against them. Members of the Judicial Police rejected the dismissal, and it is expected that Dabaiba will use this as further justification to move against the group.