Tripoli’s Collapse Is a Global Warning
The Peace Economy Project is deeply concerned by the recent outbreak of violence in Tripoli, Libya, which has been described as the most intense fighting the capital has seen in years. The clashes—sparked by the killing of militia leader Abdulghani Kikli and the subsequent collapse of his faction—have reignited conflict in densely populated urban areas, placing civilians in immediate danger and threatening what fragile stability remains in the country.
We echo the urgent call from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation. We also recognize that this eruption of violence is not isolated; it is part of a long-standing pattern fueled by militarization, foreign interference, and the global arms trade.
Libya has been trapped in a cycle of armed conflict since the 0973—a military intervention that promised democracy but delivered fragmentation, foreign occupation of Libya’s internal politics, and the rise of rival governments and militias. Today, Tripoli remains divided by armed factions, many with foreign backing, and the people of Libya continue to pay the price.
This moment is a grim reminder of why Peace Economy Project exists. Our mission is to expose and challenge the structures that sustain endless war and militarized economies. Libya is a global warning in how militarism—whether through foreign intervention, weapons transfers, or the empowerment of irregular armed groups—destroys the social fabric, undermines sovereignty, and puts civilian lives at risk.
We call on:
- The international community, including the United States, to cease all weapons sales and military support that fuel factional violence in Libya and other conflict zones;
- Multilateral bodies, including the UN, to facilitate civilian-led peacebuilding efforts that center human rights, local governance, and long-term reconciliation;
- All actors on the ground to respect international humanitarian law, immediately halt hostilities, and allow humanitarian access to affected communities.
At Peace Economy Project, we believe real security is built not through war but through justice, inclusive governance, and investment in people. Libya’s future cannot and must not be determined by the barrel of a gun.
We stand in solidarity with the Libyan people, whose resilience in the face of unrelenting violence continues to inspire peacebuilders around the world. We remain committed to advocating for a global shift from war economies to peace economies—where the true measure of strength is the well-being of communities, not the size of a militia or the cost of a weapon.
