In Libya, UN-Backed Government Could Be On The Verge Of Collapse

Former ISIS stronghold of Sirte, Libya, shown here during fighting in September 2016.
Former ISIS stronghold of Sirte, Libya, shown here during fighting in September 2016. Manu Brabo/AP
Former ISIS stronghold of Sirte, Libya, shown here during fighting in September 2016.
Former ISIS stronghold of Sirte, Libya, shown here during fighting in September 2016. Manu Brabo/AP

In Libya, UN-Backed Government Could Be On The Verge Of Collapse

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

After foreign military intervention led to the death of Libya’s former dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has been plagued by violence and instability. In 2014, Libya erupted into renewed civil war.

In 2016, then-President Obama stated that not preparing for a post-Gaddafi Libya was probably the “worst mistake” of his presidency. Foreign officials say Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord in Tripoli has failed at its basic functions, and the economy is veering toward collapse.

Sub-Saharan migrants are rescued from a rubber boat by members of Proactive Open Arms NGO, in the Mediterranean sea, about 24 miles north of Sabratha, Libya, on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. Tens of thousands of people seeking better lives are expected to trek across deserts and board unseaworthy boats in war-torn Libya this year in a desperate effort to reach European shores by way of Italy. (AP Photo)

Foreign policy experts say American diplomatic leadership is badly needed in Libya, but Trump’s travel ban against Libyan-born citizens has damaged relations between the two countries.

We discuss what led to the violence and instability in Libya with Ali Ahmida, Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of New England.