By Sami Zaptia.
London, 24 January 2021:
The Tripoli-based Interior Ministry’s ‘‘Combatants Inclusion’’ (militia DDR) Committee announced yesterday that its first training course for the government recognized militias is ready to start.
The announcement came yesterday after the Committee met. It aims to reintegrate militias in Interior Ministry security institutions. This reintegration is part of the Security Sector Reform (SSR) prescribed by the 2015 Skhirat Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) and the October 2020 ceasefire agreed by the UNSMIL-brokered 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC)
During the meeting, which was held at the headquarters of the Higher Institute for Officers, the preparations made by the Committee to receive the first training course at the Institute on Sunday were discussed, in order to qualify fighters for their integration into the security institution and their involvement in security work.
After the meeting, the attendees toured the institute, which included training grounds, classrooms, and dormitories, to review its facilities to receive trainees.
The revelation did not reveal the number of militiamen that will be trained, what type of training is being offered and for how long. It also did not reveal how many militiamen will be expected to enrol and after qualifying where they will be placed.
Analysis
Sceptical critics view this news as mere window dressing. Analysts do not believe that there are enough carrots or sticks to encourage most militiamen to abandon their militias to join state security institutions. They have not since the end of the 2011 February revolution that overthrew the Qaddafi regime. If anything, with each successive skirmish and war since, the numbers of militias have increased.
By remaining in their militias, militiamen often get paid better and have more power and leverage. They are free through their militias to coerce state institutions and position-holders into offering them ‘‘perks’’.
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