Deep Dive: Libya Defence Undersecretary Zoubi calls for institutions, rule of law, unified army on 17 February Revolution anniversary

Libya's 17 February Revolution in 2011 marked the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year authoritarian rule, fueled by Arab Spring protests demanding political freedoms and economic reforms amid tribal divisions and oil wealth disparities. Major General Abdel Salam Zoubi's call for institutions, rule of law, and a unified army reflects the ongoing struggle since Gaddafi's fall, where rival governments—the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) and the eastern House of Representatives-backed forces—control fragmented militias rather than a national force. Geopolitically, key actors include the GNU led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, seeking to consolidate power through elections stalled since 2021, and eastern commander Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), backed by Egypt, UAE, and Russia for influence over Libya's vast oil reserves (Africa's largest). Zoubi, aligned with the Defence Ministry under the GNU, underscores Tripoli's strategic interest in centralizing military control to counter Haftar's expansionism and foreign mercenaries from Turkey, Wagner Group, and others lingering post-2020 ceasefire. Culturally, Libya's Berber, Tebu, and Arab tribal fabrics demand inclusive institutions to heal revolution-era fissures. Cross-border implications ripple through Mediterranean migration routes, where instability fuels human trafficking affecting Europe, and energy markets, as oil production fluctuations (1.2 million bpd) impact global prices, drawing UN mediation and EU-Turkish pacts. Neighboring Egypt prioritizes border security against jihadists, while Turkey leverages GNU ties for offshore gas deals challenging Greece's claims. Beyond, Russia eyes military bases denied in 2019, and China invests in reconstruction for Belt and Road leverage. Zoubi's vision signals a potential path to stability if unified under UN-backed frameworks like the 5+5 Joint Military Committee, but risks escalation if militias resist demobilization, perpetuating a proxy battlefield. Outlook hinges on September 2023 political dialogue revival, balancing revolutionary ideals with pragmatic power-sharing amid youth disillusionment and economic collapse.