Libya’s Power Struggle: A Symptom of Broader Instability

Protests have erupted in Tripoli as residents express growing anger over power cuts that are just one symptom of a larger crisis. The widespread civil disobedience campaign reflects deep-seated problems, including corruption, inflation, and a dysfunctional government more concerned with its own survival than addressing pressing citizen needs.

The protesters’ frustration has been building for months as blackouts have become a regular occurrence in Tripoli and other areas. The General Electricity Company’s decision to reinstate load-shedding measures after two years of relative stability has only added to the anger. However, this time around, the protests are not just about electricity; they’re about a broader sense of disillusionment with the government and its institutions.

The Souq Al-Jumaa Movement, which launched the campaign, is a vocal opponent of the Government of National Unity (GNU) led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Since May 2025, the movement has been critical of the GNU’s handling of Libya’s affairs. The Souq Al-Jumaa Movement seeks not only to bring down the government but also to fundamentally transform the country’s political landscape. They’re calling for accountability over corruption and an end to existing institutions, which they see as perpetuating Libya’s problems.

The Tajoura Families and Youth Movement has pledged a full boycott of state institutions, rejecting both the GNU and the House of Representatives. Their grievances are multifaceted, encompassing not just power cuts but also declining services, fuel shortages, and medicine shortages amidst ongoing political conflicts that seem to consume everyone involved.

The visit by Massad Boulos, the White House adviser for African affairs, takes on an ironic tone given the protests’ demands. His “productive call” with Dbeibah aimed at discussing steps towards Libyan unification seems incongruous in light of the protesters’ calls for change. The US commitment to supporting Libya’s unification is admirable but doesn’t seem to be translating into tangible action addressing the people’s needs.

Libya’s current predicament serves as a stark reminder that economic and political crises often feed on each other. Without addressing the former, the latter remains insoluble. The protests in Tripoli and elsewhere are not just about power cuts; they’re a warning sign of a deeper malaise requiring urgent attention from Libya’s leaders.

The question now is whether this wave of protests will lead to meaningful change or simply add another chapter to Libya’s long-running saga of instability. Will the GNU finally take concrete steps to address the people’s grievances, or will it continue down its present path of political posturing? The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome.

The US, EU, and other international actors involved in Libyan affairs should also take heed of this unfolding drama. Their commitment to supporting unification and stability is genuine but needs to be matched by concrete actions. Libya’s future hangs precariously in the balance, and it’s high time for meaningful engagement – not just empty promises or half-hearted interventions.

Ultimately, the fate of Libya will be decided by its people, not external actors. As protests continue to sweep through Tripoli and other areas, it’s clear that Libyans are no longer willing to tolerate their current state of affairs. The government would do well to listen, for if it doesn’t, the consequences could be far-reaching – and potentially catastrophic.