Libya’s leaders struggling to disarm fighters

RIVAL militias clashed on the outskirts of the Libyan capital for a fourth day yesterday in the most sustained violence since the capture and killing of Muammar Gaddafi last month.

The fighting, which has killed at least six people since late last week, raised new concerns about the ability of the interim government to disarm thousands of fighters and restore order after an eight-month civil war.

Libya’s interim leader, Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, said his National Transitional Council (NTC) brought together elders from the feuding areas — the city of Zawiya and the tribal lands of Warshefana — over the weekend and that the dispute has been resolved. “I want to assure the Libyan people that everything is under control,” he said.

However, as he spoke, fighting continued.

Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard yesterday between the Warshefana lands, about 28km west of Tripoli, and Zawiya, 45km to the west.

At one point, the two sides were battling for control of a military camp of the ousted regime, said a fighter from Tripoli. The camp is between Tripoli and Zawiya.

Two Warshefana men were killed by friendly fire yesterday. This brought the death toll to at least six since the dispute erupted.

The reason for the clash remains unclear, though accusations have been flying, including that some of the Warshefana had links to the old regime.

Abdul-Jalil said the NTC has established a group to address the grievances of both sides.

He said the fighting was sparked by irresponsible behaviour, but he did not elaborate.

Since the October 20 death of Gaddafi, there have been a number of clashes between fighters, including a shootout at a Tripoli hospital.

Despite the growing tensions, Abdul-Jalil and other NTC leaders have said they cannot disarm the fighters quickly.

Noting high unemployment among the armed men, Abdul-Jalil said they must offer alternatives first, including jobs, study and training.