Egyptian FM Warns of Instability in Libya Due to Armed Militias, Foreign Fighters

CAIRO – 16 May 2025: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in Tripoli and other parts of Libya, warning that the continued presence of armed militias and foreign fighters poses a serious threat to the country’s stability.

In an interview with journalist Ahmed Abu Zeid on Al Qahera News Channel, Abdelatty stressed that sustainable stability in Libya cannot be achieved without the unification of state institutions and the holding of simultaneous presidential and legislative elections.

He cautioned that the existence of armed groups operating outside the framework of the state is a recipe for ongoing instability—a reality not only in Libya, but also in countries like Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.

The Foreign Minister concluded by emphasizing that genuine stability depends on a state's exclusive control over arms and security. He affirmed that a monopoly on the use of force by legitimate state institutions is fundamental to the establishment of a functioning and stable nation-state.

Since the overthrow of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been plagued by conflict and political division. The country is currently split between two rival governments: the U.N.-recognized Government of National Unity in Tripoli, led by Abdulhamid Dbeibah and supported by allied armed factions; and a rival administration, based in Benghazi and backed by forces loyal to retired General Khalifa Haftar.

Heavy and intense clashes have erupted since Tuesday following the killing of Field Commander Abdul Ghani al-Kikli—also known as "Ghaniwa"—a prominent figure who led the Stability Support Apparatus and served as head of the Presidential Council's security unit.