Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba, called on all the militia leaders in Zawia to put an end to the ceaseless militia fighting that has plagued the beleaguered city since the 2011 Revolution.
"We want no more trouble in the city of Zawia. Promise us here in Misrata—all of you—that there will be no more fighting. Whether it’s (militia leader Othman Al-Lahab) 'Lahab' or (militia group led by the Abu Zariba brothers) 'Zariba,' or the young guys with their (militia leader Mohamed Bahroun) 'the mouse' and 'cats'—we want no more fighting’’.
Aldabaiba was participating in Saturday’s the "Sons of the Homeland Forum" in the city of Misrata, which said it focused on supporting national reconciliation, strengthening the spirit of brotherhood between the people of the two cities, and supporting the Tripoli based Libyan government.
The Zawia delegation included the mayors of the municipalities of Zawiya in the center, south, west, north and center, Abu Sarra and Bir Ghanem, in addition to a several social, military and youth leaders and events in the city.
Zawia is very fragmented
Zawia is very fragmented politically, reflecting tribal, militia and political divisions. Parts of the city support the Tripoli government while parts support Khalifa Hafter. Parts are perceived as Islamists while others as more ‘‘secular liberals’’. Unfortunately, they settle their political disagreements through the use of force by their militias.
Criminal militias engaged in illegal activity
But it must also be noted that many of these militias are simply criminal organisations engaged in illegal migration and fuel smuggling. The emergence of money from their activity has empowered and consolidated some of them.
Seeking a path to national elections
The participants in the forum affirmed their support for the Tripoli government and its efforts to promote stability and create the appropriate conditions to reach elections, as the path that enables Libyans to choose their representatives and end the transitional stages, stressing the importance of unifying national efforts and overcoming the differences that hinder reaching this entitlement.
In his speech, the Prime Minister stressed that the unity of the country and the rejection of division among the people of the country are the basis of any path that leads to stability and elections, stressing the importance of reconciliation, dialogue and understanding, and the rejection of a return to conflicts and fighting.
Aldabaiba affirmed the government's support for the city of Zawia and its people, praising what the city has provided to the country, stressing that the people of Zawia represent a key pillar in building the state and preserving its unity.
The Prime Minister called on the people of Zawia to enhance understanding among themselves, give precedence to the language of dialogue, and direct efforts towards building and developing the city and addressing the needs of its people, in order to preserve its security and stability.
The elders and notables of Misrata and Zawia also stressed the importance of continuing communication and strengthening the spirit of brotherhood between the two cities, supporting reconciliation and stability efforts, and unifying the national ranks in a way that helps overcome the division and bring the country to the elections.