BDlive_IT IS a sad irony that the militias in Libya, while calling for the
government’s security services to restore order, gunned down 43
protesters last Friday. They are right to suggest that there is a
security vacuum in the country, but they are one of the most dangerous
consequences of the vacuum.
The government’s call for the militiamen to leave Tripoli demonstrates this weakness best. The government needs to stress that it alone has the monopoly over the use of force. Its very sovereignty is being undermined by the militias. It, therefore, needs to disarm them once and for all to save whatever credibility is left.
The general strike in Tripoli was a welcome reaction by citizens to the country’s problems. Such a unified message of defiance to the militias goes a long way in demonstrating that Libyans can and should be responsible for their own future.
The international community should not wash its hands of Libya. It should extend a hand of support to the new government in its effort to get its act together.
Libya should serve as a warning to regional states and the international community of the consequences of the unregulated arming of the general populace to overthrow a regime. The short-term gains from such a move should not overshadow its long-term horrors.
The government’s call for the militiamen to leave Tripoli demonstrates this weakness best. The government needs to stress that it alone has the monopoly over the use of force. Its very sovereignty is being undermined by the militias. It, therefore, needs to disarm them once and for all to save whatever credibility is left.
The general strike in Tripoli was a welcome reaction by citizens to the country’s problems. Such a unified message of defiance to the militias goes a long way in demonstrating that Libyans can and should be responsible for their own future.
The international community should not wash its hands of Libya. It should extend a hand of support to the new government in its effort to get its act together.
Libya should serve as a warning to regional states and the international community of the consequences of the unregulated arming of the general populace to overthrow a regime. The short-term gains from such a move should not overshadow its long-term horrors.
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