Haddad tragedy exposes political fault lines, militia tensions in Libya

 TRIPOLI

Libya is grappling with the aftermath of a national tragedy that has exposed fault lines within its political and military institutions. The recent plane crash in Turkey that killed General Mohammed al-Haddad, Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army, along with four senior officers and three crew members, has intensified political friction, particularly between the city of Misrata and the government of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah.

Militia groups and local leaders in Misrata have voiced strong criticism of Dbeibah, accusing his administration of failing to adequately respond to the crash or  honour the fallen military leaders.

In a statement, revolutionary brigades and militia leaders expressed “profound dismay” at what they described as the “weak and suspicious stance” taken by the government. They lamented the absence of formal public condolences, news conferences or official explanations, arguing that the perceived opacity undermines public trust in state institutions and disrespects the sacrifices of both military personnel and revolutionary fighters.

The protests, which erupted across Misrata, have reflected broader public frustration with Dbeibah’s handling of the country’s economic and political crises. Demonstrators have called for the removal of political bodies responsible for corruption, economic mismanagement and obstructing political reconciliation. Revolutionary brigades have openly pledged support for the popular uprising, urging security and military forces within Misrata to align with citizens and protect their legitimate demands.

Observers note that the Haddad tragedy has become a focal point for wider debates over civil-military relations in Libya. Haddad himself was widely respected for his commitment to military discipline and for avoiding political entanglement, including resisting involvement in clashes that threatened Tripoli and western Libya. Local analyst Suleiman bin Saleh, a former Misrata municipal council member, stressed that some factions were attempting to exploit the crash to implicate Dbeibah in an imagined conspiracy against military leaders, calling such claims “fabricated and politically motivated.”

The incident also highlights the delicate balancing act that Libya’s government must maintain between civil authority and heavily-armed local militias. Dbeibah’s influence in Misrata, his home town, historically relied on militia loyalties, and the city’s public outrage now represents a significant test of his authority. Analysts suggest that failure to navigate these tensions could exacerbate existing political instability.

The funeral and official commemorations for General Haddad and his companions were conducted with full military protocol at the ministry of defence in Tripoli. The ceremony was attended by President of the Presidential Council Mohammed al-Menfi, Dbeibah as Prime Minister and Defence Minister, the newly-appointed Chief of Staff Salah al-Namroush and other senior military and government officials. Menfi described the event as a “national tragedy” and called for the construction of a unified, professional Libyan military loyal solely to the state, with authority exercised strictly within the bounds of the law.

The handling of the tragedy, combined with public dissatisfaction and militia mobilisation, reflects Libya’s ongoing struggle to consolidate state authority, maintain public trust and navigate complex civil-military dynamics. As investigations continue in coordination with Turkish authorities, Libya faces the challenge of transforming mourning into institutional reform, ensuring that the sacrifices of its fallen leaders lead to a stronger, more accountable military and political system.