Forces loyal to Tripoli-based premier Dubaiba have tightened their grip on the capital after another failed effort to capture the city, Heavy clashes between rival militias in Tripoli over the weekend of 26/27 August underlined the intractability of the conflict between the two main political protagonists, while claiming at least 32 lives. In the worst violence since Gen Khalifa Haftar s 14-month siege of the capital ended in June 2020, 159 militiamen were also wounded as fighters fired their weapons indiscriminately at security and civil targets alike, hitting medical facilities, homes and shops.
The country is back to rule by two governments – but support is growing for devolution instead of the stalled international push for national elections, Libya looks more divided than at any time since the 2011 revolution. It boasts one government in Tripoli ruling the west, and another in Sirte which is recognised in the east – but there are also divisions inside both areas. The south is contested but remains largely ignored.