Protesters in Tripoli Demand Dismissal of Dbeibeh's Government Amid Rising Tensions
Tripoli, Libya – In a significant escalation of political unrest, demonstrators gathered in the Libyan capital of Tripoli on May 30, 2025, raising red cards in a symbolic call for the dismissal of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh's Government of National Unity (GNU). The protest, captured in a video shared by Libya Review on X, reflects deepening frustration with the government's handling of the country's ongoing crises.
The demonstrators, holding aloft red cards—a gesture reminiscent of sports officiating where it signals ejection—chanted slogans demanding the ouster of Dbeibeh's administration. The protest is part of a broader wave of demonstrations that began on May 16, 2025, which have already led to the resignation of several ministers in solidarity with the protesters. This wave of dissent underscores the failure of the GNU, formed in February 2021 as a temporary executive to unify rival factions, to maintain stability or address critical issues facing Libya.
The use of red cards as a protest symbol is not coincidental. It aligns with global movements, such as the "Show Israel the Red Card" campaign, where the card represents rejection and a demand for change. In the Libyan context, it visually communicates the protesters' rejection of Dbeibeh's leadership and their call for a new direction.
Political analysts suggest that the protests are a manifestation of broader discontent with the GNU's inability to deliver on its promises of unity and reform. Since its inception, the government has faced challenges in reconciling the rival factions based in Tripoli and Tobruk, leading to dual power structures and persistent instability. The recent clashes in Tripoli, including those involving the 444th Infantry Brigade and the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA) earlier in May, have further exacerbated the situation.
The international community, including the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. UNSMIL has called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution, urging all parties to protect civilians and de-escalate the situation. However, the persistence of protests and the government's apparent inability to quell the unrest suggest that a resolution remains elusive.
As Libya approaches a critical juncture, the demand for Dbeibeh's dismissal could signal a turning point in the country's political landscape. Whether this will lead to a reconfiguration of power or further entrench the divisions remains to be seen, but the red cards waved in Tripoli are a stark reminder of the fragility of Libya's political stability and the urgent need for meaningful reform.
