The High State Council today expressed its appreciation for the sincere national efforts that led to a peaceful resolution of what it referred to as the ‘‘Mitiga Airport crisis’’, the success of the de-escalation process, and the sparing of further conflict and losses in the country.
The High State Council affirmed that the resumption of the competent authorities’ duties in managing Mitiga airport and Mitiga prison under the supervision of the legitimate executive authority is an important step toward strengthening the state’s sovereignty over its vital institutions and a step that establishes the principle of law to which all must adhere.
The High State Council praised the national spirit demonstrated by all parties, who placed the nation’s interests above all other considerations, stressing that dialogue and understanding are the best way to overcome crises and achieve stability.
The High State Council renewed its call to all active forces in the country to unite and build on this achievement to end all manifestations of division and move toward building a unified civil state based on the principles of justice and respect for the law.
Aldabaiba Tripoli government v Special Deterrence Force / SDF/RADA
It will be recalled that there has been the possibility of fighting breaking out between Tripoli government forces and the Special Deterrence Force (SDF/RADA) militia headed by 2011 revolution and Salfist warlord, Abdelrauf Kara. Kara controls Mitiga airport and its infamous prison. The Aldabaiba government wants to take control of the airport and prison.
Kara’s SDF / RADA is the only remaining powerful militia in Tripoli. Its removal would give the Tripoli government a virtual monopoly on the use of force in central Tripoli. It would clear the way for it to confront other smaller militias within Tripoli and militias in cities in Greater Tripoli and other cities such as Zawia.
Unconfirmed reports of the details of the agreement
Libyan Arabic-language media has been reporting unconfirmed news that the Aldabaiba government and Kara’s SDF / RADA have reached an agreement under the auspices of the Presidential Council – but negotiated by UNSMIL and Turkey.
There are slightly varying versions of the reported agreement, the main points being:
- SDF / RADA withdrawing from Mitiga airport today, provided that the airport security battalion of the Chief of Staff under the command of Ramzi al-Gamoudi will secure it. A decision will be issued to officially assign Al-Gamoudi to his task by the Chief of Staff, and the Security Arrangements Committee tasked by the Presidential Council will follow up on the implementation of the decision. Libyan social media have posted videos purporting to show new forces entering Mitiga airport and prison – but they are unconfirmed. Another version of the purported agreement says all airports in Western Libya are to be handed over to official agencies – including Misrata airport.
- The agreement also stipulated the appointment of a new commander of the Judicial Police apparatus, and the handing over of wanted persons held to the Attorney General’s Office.
- Under the agreement, military forces that entered the capital from outside Tripoli will return to their positions within a week of the agreement’s signing.
- The commitment of all security agencies not to give cover to those wanted by the Attorney General and to cooperate to arrest them.
- Not to obstruct the government’s decisions to dissolve the Illegal Immigration Apparatus and the Special Operations Force.
- Handing over prisons in Ain Zara and El Jadida to the new administration in charge of the Judicial Police.
- Changing the powers of the security agencies by preventing them from arresting people without prior permission and directly from the Attorney General.
- Withdrawal of all security agencies to one headquarters only and the Tripoli Security Directorate, part of the Interior Ministry, taking over the security of Tripoli.
- A pledge by all security agencies not to deal in political affairs and respect the competencies of other government/state agencies.
