The implementation of the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) “Security Plan 2019-One” is set to occurring within a matter of days. Led by GNA Minister of Interior Fathi Bashaaga, the initiative is set to bring the broader Tripoli area under the supervision of the Central Security Agency and Security Directorate. The initiative will see the multiple security forces united under a singular Security Room that will include the General Intelligence Service, Ministry of Public Investigation, and the military police. Bashaaga aims to address the incoherent, decentralised administrative and operational structure of city’s security forces, as well as unravel overlapping operational mandates of the multiple local militias and armed groups. It is worth noting that on 8 January, Bashaga confirmed the main funding for local armed groups acting under the Government of National Accord is from the state budget. Administrative and top down political efforts to implement the long-promised security sector reforms continue, yet it is unclear if they will change the security instability in Tripoli. On 16 January, new clashes broke in the Qasr Bin Gashir district of the city, opposing the Seventh Infantry Brigade to the Tripoli Protection Force (TPF). Initial reports indicate that at least one person was killed, and 17 were wounded. Until reforms are applied, lapses in security measures, through a lack of coordination or neglect, will leave key infrastructure and civilians vulnerable to terrorist attacks and see increasing lawlessness in the capital. As the Tripoli-based militias continue to resist the reforms, actively circumventing its implementation, militia groups on the fringes of the city, such as the Kani militia, will continue to agitate for their expulsion and may move on the city (as they did in August and September last year) to facilitate this.
Implementation Of Tripoli “Security Plan 2019-One” Imminent