Over a decade after the fall of the Qaddafi regime, Libya’s path toward peace and reconstruction remains deadlocked. Competition between the two rival governments drives violent conflict and deteriorates Libya’s security, economic and human rights conditions. USIP works alongside local, national and international partners to support Libyans as they promote stability and reconciliation in the country. Since 2011, the Institute has engaged at the community and national level to strengthen the rule of law, bridge social cleavages through dialogue, and support reconciliation. USIP also has reported on key factors contributing to fragility in Libya, including youth grievances and justice and security issues.

The last nine years of instability and conflict have affected every aspect of life in Libya, both for nationals and for the hundreds of thousands of migrants drawn to the country as a transit route to Europe.

Following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country faced a complex civil war among rival factions vying for national control. Fighting, particularly in urban areas, created significant protection risks for civilians and led to widespread damage to public infrastructures, including medical facilities. Over a quarter of the population now report facing challenges in accessing healthcare.

The Second Libyan Civil War lasted until October 2020 when a permanent ceasefire was established, the success of which will be tested in time. Explosive remnants of war will continue to pose a risk to civilians.

The heavy fighting and ensuing damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, led to high numbers of internal displacements (almost 400,000 as of 2020). Basic service provision has deteriorated, with people’s wellbeing and living standards falling day by day. Many continue to live in substandard shelters where they struggle to pay war-inflated rents and often revert to negative coping mechanisms.