Militias in the time of the Pandemic: The Community Dynamics of Libyan Armed Groups

Since the overthrow of the regime of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya’s multitude of armed groups have followed a range of paths. While many of these have gradually demobilized, others have remained active, and others have expanded their influence. Given the degree to which most armed groups are embedded in local society, successful engagement will need to address the fears, grievances and desires of the surrounding communities. The Middle East Institute (MEI) is pleased to host a virtual panel discussing the findings of a recently published Chatham House research paper, “The Development of Libyan Armed Groups Since 2014: Community Dynamics and Economic Interests,” which presents insights from over 200 interviews of Libyan armed actors and members of local communities.

The panel will seek to answer the following: What are the possible trajectories of Libya’s conflict given the current pandemic? What is the future of its economic system with the crashing price of oil and the likely implosion of the Libyan healthcare system? How can international actors influence the chances of a sustainable settlement to the conflict?