The Tripoli based Ministry of Defence issued immediate and strict orders prohibiting members of the 24th Infantry Battalion from leaving their headquarters in Misrata last Friday (24 October).
This came following clashes that occurred last Thursday evening (23 October) between members of the Ministry’s Central Military Region and its Joint Operations Force.
The Ministry affirmed that the decision was made to preserve military discipline and prevent the recurrence of such violations. It noted that an urgent and comprehensive investigation has been opened under the supervision of the Military Prosecutor to determine responsibilities and hold those involved accountable.
The Ministry emphasized that any violation of orders or deviation from instructions will be met with deterrent measures, while affirming that the prestige and discipline of the military institution are a red line that will not be crossed under any pretext.
Comment and analysis
On several levels, the Misrata clashesbetween two army units projected as part of the Libyan Army under the Tripoli Government’s Ministry of Defence must be very embarrassing for the Tripoli government in general and for Prime Minister Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba in particular.
Propaganda fodder for Hafter?
Domestically, the clashes provide evidence and propaganda fodder for the eastern Libyan regime that the Tripoli government does not have a unified army but a cluster of militias and that it is not in control of these militias. This, they undoubtedly, will contrast with the total control they claim to have over security forces in the east.
A blot on Misrata’s reputation
On another domestic level, the Misrata clashes are an even greater personal embarrassment for PM Aldabaiba who hails from the city. The city has been and likes to portray itself, with much justification, as the most secure and unified city in Libya. The clashes are a blot on that reputation.
Internationally, the clashes will continue the question marks on Libya by governments and companies. If Misrata is not under control of the Tripoli government then which city is, will be the question.
The Misrata clashes will do nothing to reduce the negative travel advisories on Libya issued by foreign ministries to their citizens. They will not hasten the further return of airliners, the lifting of the EU flight ban, the return of oil companies or other commercial activities.
Aldabaiba must be seen to be acting with a firm hand
The clashes could have been a freak one-off, but they were a bad day for Misrata and Libya. Aldabaiba, in both his role as PM and Defence Minister, must hold the perpetrators and more importantly be seen to be holding the perpetrators to account to send a loud and clear domestic and international message.
