Rampant crime hinders Libya’s transition to stability

Mustafa Kamel

Putting an end to rampant crimes across Libya has become a major challenge for the government of new Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.

These crimes compound Libya’s other problems which have widened the scope of unrest in the North African country.

Since 2011, militias have been committing gross human rights violations.

Ending these violations is now viewed as a good beginning for the return of stability to Libya. Equally important is also the presence of legitimate institutions that can put Libya on the road to prosperity.

Ending crimes

This is becoming a top priority for Mr. Dbeibeh’s government. The government views this move as a main driver for stability in Libya.

These crimes include the kidnap by militias of hundreds of civilians and the enforced disappearance of members of the public. The crimes also include rape and murder.

Between 2011 and 2016, around 55,000 crimes were committed in Libya, according to the Libyan prosecution.

It said these crimes ranged between kidnap and blackmail. They were committed in 35 security directorates across Libya, the prosecution said.

It noted that the crimes committed in an additional 20 security directorates had not been included in that figure.

Security officials say, meanwhile, that they are not able to keep the lid on growing crimes any more.

They cite the prevalence of firearms everywhere in Libya. The same officials say that newly-founded security agencies have not been given a clear mandate yet.