PREFATORY NOTE: These city profiles were prepared by Libya Aqaleem in February 2021, and were accurate as of those dates. We believe the information here offers useful reference points for understanding Libya on a more nuanced level than is possible from breaking news reports. However, readers should be aware that facts on the ground continue to shift quickly at the time of publication and therefore some information may become outdated. Politics GHAT Economy A small tourism city located in the western Sahara A tourist attraction, but The Social High Council south of Libya. It has a population of 22.7 thousand during the conflict, this regulates the livelihood of Libyans and hosts three old cultures (corresponding slowly deteriorated as the citizens, but the political with three different ethnicities) that are distributed roads to and from the city conflict in the country led between the Alghdamsia, Tripolitanian and Bab became unsafe, leaving to disjointed and unstable trade, services, handicrafts, Alkher areas. It has three spoken languages: Arabic, and handmade goods the policies and governance, Hausa, and Tuareg. main economic activities in which in turn led to the city. Most activities inflation and related take place in the informal negative impacts on city- market, while the black dwellers. This led to the Social Media market includes smuggling Entrepreneurship Tourism and government-purchased city being highly influenced Social media has a Landmarks goods, along with petrol, There is limited by the politics of its positive impact on the The city is a tourist human trafficking, and support from neighboring cities. Since weapons, to Nigeria and attraction, on the road international 2019, the city has fallen city, but it’s limited to surrounding countries. to Akakus, and holds under the LNA’s authority. socializing and organizations on the Castle of Ghat, the communicating. entrepreneurial old city, the Akakus training. Mountains, Kaf Aljanoun, Taderth, and Governmental Conflict the Vallies of Azjer arch. Oversight/ Local The city suffers from the It hosts historically Tribalism Governance political conflict in Libya significant artifacts that A mixed of tribal cultures, comprised mainly of Tuareg and Arab (these tribes include: The city suffers the neglect of but has no active role in represent not only Magarha, Hasawna, Zentan and others). both leading parties in the it, making it one of the Libyan heritage but Tribes are more of a heritage than a tool of conflict (LNA and GNA). Citizens few peaceful cities in the humanity as well. Hosts region. It launched struggle in the city. They all co-exist. are generally poor, goods are the largest open initiatives to support museum in the world, Tribalism in Ghat has a positive impact as it pricy, cash liquidity is is sometimes used to resolve individuals’ Libyan reconciliation as the Rock Museum. inaccessible, the security crisis is well as supporting IDPs disputes. unstable, due to which the and helping to resolve Social norms: people are conservative, economic situation has the war in Murzeq. non-hostile, apolitical, and humble. worsened. Sabha Economy Politics The people suffer from The largest city in the Fezzan region, Sabha is poverty, cash shortages, The city is under the home to approximately 130 thousand and difficulty accessing LNA’s control since the Libyans. It shelters a variety of ethnicities affordable goods. Many 2019 war (an ongoing work in the government including Tabu, Tuareg, and Arab. sector. Trade and conflict). Generally, agriculture account for the political representation majority of economic activity. Youth are highly has been replaced involved in the drug trade Social Media because it constitutes a with tribal conflict and Entrepreneurship territorial control. With limited influence, due to Conflict reliable source of income the recent pandemic situation, amidst broader economic The informal market is The city is dominated social media is becoming a The city has witnessed instability. witnessing growth with the not by a political party source of information and a tool waves of displacement The black market includes aid of the international for knowledge- with varying causes, human trafficking community, through but by tribal militias sharing. Notably, most and smuggling of petrol incubators and chief among them accelerators supporting and religious groups. and goods through governmental institutions post armed conflict and the growth of start-ups their content on social media. uncontrolled borders. economic difficulties. and small businesses. The biggest conflict, along tribal lines, Governmental was between Tebu Oversight and Tourism and and Awlad Sulieman in Tribalism Civil Society Landmarks 2012. The city is Tribes act chiefly as economic support networks restless and suffers and play an important role in facilitating smuggling There is little to no monitoring Sebha historical on the black market. Tribes also serve as networks of the authorities by civic militia-controlled castle was built on prisons where human to enable traditional employment. activists. Tribal protection is very visible as tribes solve many the remains of a rights violations Despite the high number of issues and disputes, for which purpose each tribe organizations registered by monument that happen regularly. has its own social council. the Ministry of Culture, the dates back 2500 number of active years. Social norms: the people are generally very organizations does not exceed conservative. Most are extremely loyal to their 15. tribes, on which they depend for protection. Ubari Economy Political A small city, located in southwest Libya and south of the Fezzan Ubari's allegiance was initially to the region in Wadi Alaajal, Ubari lies between the Algerian and Economic activities based on former Ghaddafi regime, and Nigerien borders. It has major oil fields and is known as a point of trade and agriculture are specifically to the Tuareg. While entry for migrants from Africa. With a population of 72,587, UNFPA negatively affected by the Tabu announced allegiance to the reports that around 75% of the Ubari population has been conflict. The informal revolt, the city has witnessed displaced due to internal conflict from 2014 to 2016. Most of the sector accounts for most private sector outbreaks of violence during population are Arabized Africans, the “Ahali,” who are descended activity, including services, the 2011 revolt. With the new from sub-Saharan slaves. The Tuareg and Tabu are such as home cooking and unsettled structures of politics that significant minorities. delivery, and goods. Ubari is rise and fall in Libya. Ubari remained a mid-way destination for in a state of insecurity with various migrants from Africa and rules and armed groups reigning hosts significant black- over, that are empowered by the Social Media market commerce and black-market in the area. The scene The absence of media Tourism and smuggling, including petrol Entrepreneurship has very little political and weapons, horses, and outlets in the city human trafficking. The black representation and domination by Landmarks contributes to market maintains a whomever party rules the area. There are no Ubari hosts the oldest strangelhold on Ubari’s Currently under the LNA’s control. dependence on social economy and determines activities. Tribes are considered a form of medial platforms to civilization in Libya, prices in the city political representation. gain information. the Germant. It’s known for salty lakes like Qabr Oun and Own Almaa, as Governmental Oversight Conflict well as pyramids and the historical city of Tribalism Conflicts are rarely Germa, where a Tribes have political and security impacts There is little to no monitoring internal, mostly arising as a museum was built in due to the absence of governing or law of the city. The municipal by-product of the general 1968 and reopened in enforcement institutions to protect council restricts some of state of conflict in 1989. Ubari also hosts individuals. They are a network that illegitimate activities but for Libya. Ubari witnessed an a large oil supports employment and a safety net that the most part, armed groups armed conflict in 2014 field, Alsharara, which expands family businesses. The High conduct and protect illicit between Tabu and Tuareg was discovered in Social Council is recognized as the highest trades. tribes. 1980. authority in the city with real power over disputes. Political Murzuq Economy The LNA claims authority over Murzuq is in the southwest of Libya, in the center of the Fezzan A large portion of the city’s region, far to the south of Tripoli. It was established as a stop on youth survives by working in Murzuq. The LNA appointed a the north-south trade route across the Sahara. The city currently armed groups and smuggling management council faces severe waves of displacement on the basis of ethnicity and networks, which in turn empowers their tribes. with members from key tribal affiliations. It is home to nearly 13 thousand Libyans from dominant tribes, while the mixed cultural backgrounds (Arab, Tabu and Tuwareg) who are in Murzuq is rich in gold, cars, official municipality council is in constant fights over control on the city. and essential trade of goods and food, with a new sector actuality dysfunctional. emerging to produce and The city knows no political parties, sell buildings and constructio n materials. In addition, the but prominent political figures city has a clothing factory, include: date farms, and cattle Entrepreneurship Social media Conflict farming. Hamad Ebriko, a member of the high Many Social media activity is The city has faced national council extremely high, Black market – Murzuq’s microbusinesses were chronic conflict that first special and remote location Mohammad Adam Lino, a member while the street sees shut down completely of the house of representatives broke out in the 90s with the collapsing security with the armed little activity due to the between Aahali (Arab) and system contributed to a (Tabu) strong and lucrative black conflict in the city, an Mohammed Alagha, a member of armed groups that limit Tabu tribes. After the 2011 market that includes human establishment of freedom of movement uprising and the collapse of trafficking, selling Gold ore, security is required. the high National council (Arab) automobiles, drugs, and severely. the security system, the city weaponry. plunged again into chaos and the fighting between Tourism and these two factions Governmental continues until today, Landmarks forcing a large number of Tribalism Oversight Tribes play a major role in the conflict and are intensely The city is an oasis at the edge of local residents to the Murzuq desert, which is known violent. Some allege that the tribes are supported by Civil society is fairly active in for its great sand dunes and is part of permanently relocate authorities, neighbouring counties, and international the city, with some advocacy the Sahara desert. elsewhere to avoid being parties. campaigns for peace, projects Known histoircally as the capital of assassinated due to their The conflict weighs down the social structure of the to support displaced tribes, many great empires that ruled the ethnicity. The feud between city, tribes and social stature are essential tools Sahara and North Africa, including and other initiatives. However, the Arab and Tabu dates of social interaction. However, tribes don’t allow other the Garmantin Empire, the Kanem back to Gaddafi’s war with ethnicities nor do they welcome opposing political this has little impact on the Empire, and the Bornu Empire. Hosts the castle of Murzuq, and the Chad. parties. city’s politics. Murzuq military garrison. The tribe overpowers the law and everyone is damaged with that . Political Albayda Interim government (Abdullah Economy Thani), the LNA. The city is The fourth largest city in Libya, located in the northeast of Libya. Commerce, catering, home to the house of It was the center for many eastern tribes. Was a potential capital and construction are representatives and the interim during the formation of the Libyan kingdom. the main economic government is the only active activities as internally political side. Approximately 250 thousand populate the city. The numbers displaced persons flock have likely increased with displacement waves to the city. Politics is fairly new to the city to the city. The main tribes are the Alabaraa’sa tribe, along with However, agriculture as it was remote and excluded Almurabetoon, and Alsaeet. and cattle before 2014 when the House of farming were Representatives moved to the historically and for the city, attracted more people to Social Media locals remain the key be involved in the political economic activities. Entrepreneurship scene. Social media plays a major Historical Informal trade make role in mobilizing the landmarks up 75% of the market”. There has been some The black market entrepreneurial activity. The city is affiliated with the streets as it is used Founded in 1930, However, capacity to promote political parties mainly consists of international parties that support the city became a currency exchange, building and awareness- Haftar, the GNA, or the House of and is considered a trusted tourist attraction along with cooking gas. raising in this area is urgently needed. Representatives (Egypt, Russia, and source of information and for: Wadii Alkouf the United Arab Emirates). gossip. bridge, Bilal Ben Rabah mosque, Omar Almokhtar Government Oversight University, Selice building, Alakhdar Tribalism Conflict The backbone of the city is its tribes. Tribes are referred to Almost unnoticeable as mountain, forests, when solving all issues, small or significant, and are a parallel system to the law. They are considered the unwritten the city grows bigger and Relatively peaceful, and the Valley of Murqous. The constitution of the city. Tribalism is the law that mainatins the economic activities Albayda has seen the city free from chaos and upholds Its delicate position as a Vatican has jewel in the east. increase and expand little armed conflict. said that parts of Tribal conflicts are often settled in meetings with the “Tribal informally with no leader” (known as "Sheikh Alqabeela"). the Bible were Nevertheless, many youths believe that the tribes' role government oversight. written in the Valley should be strictly related to social issues. As the involvement of Murqus. in the economy and politics usually is based on tribal leader selection rather than the efficiency of the individual. Derna Economy Political Commercial activities A coastal city northeast of the country with a vibrant dominate the city. The was The interim government and a siege between 2014 – 2019 nature, with a population between 100 and 150 that increased the cost of the LNA, led by the tribe of thousand. The city has received many waves essentials and grew the sector Abiidat, currently control most of displaced migrants due to unrest and of wholesale for food, goods, of the local government, along clothes, and medicine. A ongoing conflict. Derna is rich in culture, with cement factory was with the Alhadoor and somewhere between 100 abnd 130 tribes that established in the 80’s, bu has Murabteen tribes. had limited operations in call Derna home. recent years. With recent stability, the Citizens are marginalized authorities are very from the pollical process. Historical cooperative and working on bringing businesses into the Entrepreneurship Instead, tribal leaders speak formal economy. Social Media landmarks The city is on behalf of their tribes. Thus Derna has a Mediterranean The youth aren’t the majority of the labour force as many of economically depressed coastal feel, with green the only avenue of The most them either fled or died during and can barely provide mountains and a political participation is the many conflicts the city has basic services. People popular forum for desert, making for a unique through tribal processes. seen. Blackmail and instability lack the needed free speech is social climate. There are waterfalls forced almost all knowledge and skills for media platforms. in Shawaa’er valley, as well businessmen to relocate as Alsahaba Mosque and outside the city, most of entrepreneurship. which don’t plan to return. other religious monuments. Derna has a rich history of Governmental Oversight religious figures and used to Conflict be one of Libya's wealthiest Tribalism The government is attempting to cities. It was the site of a Derna witnessed heavy The impact of tribes is economically and politically regulate the market and formalize famous battle in 1805. The negative, as most of the available jobs are with the businesses in the city. However, The fighting in 2011, people of Derna comprises government, and only one tribe controls the poverty rate is high and people followed by many diverse cultural components government institutions. Thus, access struggle to access liquidity or decently assassinations. Politicians, that co-existed peacefully to employment is highly biased and ineffective. priced goods. A large number of the until the uprising of writers and religious The tribal structure of Derna is complex and has a employed work in the government 2011, which brought many leaders were targeted. positive impact socially, as it stabilized the city during sector. Youth are highly involved in differences to the surface. consecutive conflicts. Most find comfort and safety drug trades as it makes for better Later, in 2014, ISIS took with their tribal leaders. Tribal protection is very income compared to any other job over the city. Fighting prominent as tribes are called upon to solve many available due to ongoing economic continued for over a year issues and disputes. Each tribe has its own social instability. in each of these wars. council. Political Tripoli Economy Political parties were The capital of Libya is situated in the Main economic activities prominent for a short include delivery services, phase in the capital, but northwest along the Mediterranean coast catering, retails, pharmacies, foods and cafes. Tripoli has with the continued war known anciently as Oea. the biggest cash economy in and conflicts their Libya. Many hold skilled jobs It is Libya's largest city, with a population or work as freelancers. power faded, especially of over one million. following the 2014 war as Most people have two jobs the parties self- (often, one in government and one private) due to sorted according to extremely low pay. This varying allegiances, and Social Media Conflict phenomenon has increased Entrepreneurship Social media is the biggest source Conflicts in the capital remain with chaotic governance, the remaining parties of media influence in the region. People extremely complex, and the opaque policies, and lack of mainly get their information from social While entrepreneurial merged, or broke out. media from groups and pages, through situation is very oversight. The black market pursuits are very Currently, the GNA with they are able to amplify their voices opaque. Authorities lack dominates the economic popular, the sector lacks and be heard. Social media has had a situation, in particular in controls the city. clear responsibilities in relation sustainability negative impact on the political situation. to the conflict, and as a result relation to currency and It led to an increase in conflicts between exchange. and adequate cities, which resulted in a tense political management is extremely investment. situation. poor.

Conflicts have strained the political environment, Governmental Oversight Historical landmarks creating internal divisions Libya has been the capital among governments and Tribalism politicians. The capital is broken Tribal feuds are not evident. Militias are the main The GNA controls the city for decades, since down into districts of de facto power brokers, or at times outside (non-Tripoli-based) Ottoman times. Trade control and violent clashes aim through its notorious tribes who come to the capital to join the war. to maintain these areas of connection with many mainly flows through Tribal social constraints are slowly giving way to familial control. The conflicts in the city militias, who are currently Tripoli, and it is the seat of constraints in most of the city, with a few communities are territorial and militia-based, all government sectors. It as the exception. As the capital has many different recruited by the national not tribal. Other forms of districts where certain social norms may be more or army and other government is the most populated, and conflict, such as control over less prevalent, it’s noticeable that some tribes have plays a major role in facilities and ministries, often bodies. power and\or leverage socially due to their name, culminates in the domination of “incubating the Libyans history, and money. However, this influence is slowly a family or a tribe. and outsiders” dimming. Political Alzawya Economy The local council is the most Alzawya relies heavily on public sector employment as prominent level of Alzawya is the fifth largest city in Libya, the security forces and governance. The city located in the northwest of the country on ministry of interior have the supports the GNA but is not highest hiring rates. The city the coastline, near the capital Tripoli. The is distinct due to its oil active in politics. The refinery and an electrical dominant vehicles for estimated population is around 200 power plant, which demaind political actors are tribes and thousand. high levels of security which serve as a source of jobs. parties. The focus of the Other economic activities local council is to regulate include the situation between electricity, engineering, Social Media restaurants, and media. Entrepreneurship various militias. The Many products are sold on Entrepreneurial activity is city's security situation is Social media is the only Landmarks the black market when moderate, with some barriers starting to improve, with forum for free speech in middlemen buy governmetn- to formalization including subsidized complex paperwork, lack of financial aid, and kidnapping, murders and the city. However, no essentials (food, medicine, Host to Al Zawiya consumer perception, robberies still protests take place, and fuel) and smuggle or resell since social norms value common but on the decline. political dissonance is University, AlHarisha them at a higher price. public employment or trade Currency and weaponry also as the most reliable sources restricted to online power station, Alzawia largely fuel the black market. of income. There is little activity. oil refinery (one of the support for innovators and service providers. two most important oil Governmental Oversight refineries in Libya), and Conflict Bir Al Ghanam airstrip. Tribalism Armed tribal clashes, Alzawia’s name is the The city is largely tribal, reinforced by fragile security that There is very limited requires tribes to affiliate themselves with militias for security. public oversight of the mostly between Awlad noun for a religious Sager and the Awlad Tribal influence is very distinct in the city; the main tribes government in Alzawya, due school and with the dominate the main economic activities and form the biggest to the city’s high level of hanish, are associated university, and strongest militias. armament and numerous ongoing. Each of the which was founded in The tribe provides protection for illicit and illegal economic tribes consider it is their ativites, which dominate the economy. In addition, most active militias. The city 1988. economic activity revolves around physical security, which supports the GNA through tribal- right to exclude the implicates territorial structures and militias. It is therefore a other tribe necessity to belong to a tribe or other security structure. militia structures, The social impact of tribes is fairly negative, as tribal feuds which maintain a fragile peace. from institutions that separate families of opposing tribes, and socially inferior tribes they control. are marginalized. Yefren Economy Politics Yefren is in the northwest of Libya, in the western Nafusa mountain and south-west of Tripoli. It’s a beautiful mountain city, The private sector is The city is neutral and currently supports rich with sites to visit. Roughly populated by 60 thousand, many active and serves the GNA. residents relocated to the capital or live in between Tripoli and as the biggest Yefren, mostly for economic reasons or, less frequently, for employer in the city. political purposes. It is a culturally rich tourist destination and the Jobs include café The political scene is dominated by home of many historical Tamazight tribes, although few records shops, tourism, political figures, tribes, parties, the are available. A wealth of communal stories and tribal victories agricultural projects, municipality, tribal leaders, and social need to be preserved. handmade traditional councils. items, and catering services. Despite the The local municipal council is very Social Media easy registration of cooperative, pushing for the progress Conflict businesses, the Entrepreneurship of the city. This means that authorities During the uprising in majority remain Social media serves as a Initiating their own projects and regulations are applied, however, informal. free forum for people to 2011 the city went such as farming, and it’s notable that due to the tribal nature The black market handmade traditional goods, express their thought and through a siege as it of the city and the strong familial comprises trade mostly sold in Tripoli, self- opinions. It is a key opposed the Gaddafi employment is a visible part of network, behavior is in currency and fuel as reflection of the well-being society and people rely on their governed more by social restrictions regime. The water well as illicit drugs. of locals. businesses to assure income, than by the law. supplies were blocked, as Most of the time, fuel particularly in the face of rising well as food supplies to is only available on the prices on goods. the city. The city black market. witnessed some heavy Governmental Oversight Historical Landmarks bombing and was The city is run by the elected Yefren has many historical sites recovered by the rebels Tribalism municipal council. People are content such as the old town of Yefren, early in June 2011. with the efforts of the local the Turkish Mosque, the Jewish The city is highly tribal and the majority are of council, nonetheless infrastructure is synagogue, Berber houses, caves The city has seen little Tamazight ethnicity. The city relies on tribal lacking, and the city receives little and villages, and the tower of armed conflict since the representatives. It does take a more modern, refined support for its key economic activities Suffet. The Qasbah (Qasbat) is a uprising, although it has shape in Yefren despite it being a by-product of the such as tourism, handmade goods, Roman mausoleum located on a suffered from the political ailing political processes in Libya generally. and agriculture. Interviewees believe hilltop. There are many and economic collapse as Tribal protection in reality performs a monitoring this is due to conflict within the city, remnants of Berber houses, role and prevents individuals from breaking laws. the dangerous roads to the city, and beautiful stones, and amazing a result of the two civil unreliable cash availability from the mountain scenery. wars. government. Politics Economy The city is run by a management council, after Sirte Main economic activities the municipal council was terminated by the are agriculture, Interim government (the municipality supported This city is at the center of Libya, at the Sirte Gulf, construction, milk the GNA). The new system operates as a single factory, trades and clan in control of everything which creates much between Benghazi and Tripoli. It briefly served as tension between local residents. The city's Tripoli’s successor as Libya’s capital. commercial businesses, small enterprises, olive political scene is mostly tribes speaking for The population is about 130 thousand. While many tribes. oil, some fruits, potatoes The private sector has grown as the national were displaced during 2011, about 70% have returned and watermelons are government employment plan excluded Sirte, in the ensuing years. seasonal agricultural thereby forcing many of the youth to find jobs projects that Sirte has elsewhere, igniting the entrepreneurship recently re-opened. scene, and pushing the labor force to develop Fishing is recently their skills. The city suffers similar complaints as Conflict growing to be a key Entrepreneurship the rest of Libya, cash is unavailable, and the Social Media activity in the city. Interestingly high in the city. As the fluctuation of the currency exchange rate While social media usage Sirte saw heavy conflict city wasn’t included in the public negatively affects residents. Black market activities hiring policy, many of the youth rates remain very high, people during the 2011 uprising needed to look elsewhere to make a The city isn’t generally involved in the politics of have a relatively smaller in Sirte do not express many that destroyed many of living, forcing a unique and vibrant the country, as it is considered a supporter of presence in Sirte, and entrepreneurship scene in the city. political opinions due to the previous regime, and its importance is its facilities. Again, when are mainly related to fuel Youths dominate agricultural usually minimized. The city was however highly intimidation from the visible projects, farming, sweets and ISIS took over, the and flour, which are catering services, training centers, presence of armed groups involved in reconciliation attempts due to its damage continued, with smuggled through Sirte honey making and many other small historical role in reconciliation between tribes of throughout the city. enterprises that are mostly the fighting to the south for sale to Libya. distributed to the neighboring cities displacing many citizens, neighboring countries. and villages. some of whom never returned . Governmental Oversight Historical landmarks The city infrastructure Tribalism The city is coastal, it has many was almost completely Tribal influence is extremely high as the new The city’s vulnerable position as a secretarial and governmental destroyed. management council is run by a single tribe and controls favorite of the previous regime buildings, agricultural Sirte witnessed various all the facilities as well as public services. meant it was overlooked by projects, and remnants from armed conflicts in 2011, There is no conflict between the tribes of Sirte, and the both dominating governments of the war. Sirte was established as well as some cultural groups live in harmony with one another. Most Libya. It is currently under LNA by the Italians but only outbreaks in relation of the conflict comes from political reasons, or as a result control. became a true city after World of national politics. However, with the recent takeover of Corruption defines the governmental War II. It’s the birthplace of to ISIS in 2015 and the LNA/interim government, tension is increasing in facilities in Sirte, many complain Ghaddafi and is known for 2016, and in 2019 was relation to tribal power. about the rule of law deficit in the being the site of many exposed to fighting Tribal protections are strong in dominant tribes, but in city and state that sees little famous battles. during the second Libyan other tribes are almost nonexistent. oversight. civil war. Ben Walid Economy Politics Ben Walid is home to one of the largest tribes in Libya, Werfalla. The city is in the southeast of Tripoli, just south of Wool production has The city follows the LNA authority. long been the most Misurata, and is the gateway from Misurata’s port to the Locals are not particularly active in prominent output of t Libyan south. political affairs, although many he city. Ben Walid The population is 85,400 – relatively large considering the political figures in Libya are woold is nationally city’s small structure. The city has witnessed two main originally from Bani Walid. renowned as the waves of displacement: at the beginning of the highest quality Residents generally do not 2011 uprising and again in 2012. available. Agriculture vote in local elections as municipal and cattle farming are politics is perceived very also key economic negatively. However, residents activities in the city. are highly involved in the There is Entrepreneurship Social Media Entrepreneurship is very weak. national Libyan dialogue and Conflict also commerce New and innovative businesses and small service reconciliation efforts. People trust social media are much needed in the city, but The only local governance in the providers. residents lack the skill and as a sourec of Numerous tribal feuds The black market knowledge to start their own city happens through tribal businesses. Although there has information, but have overtaken the city, includes over 60 shops politics. leaving a high number of been an attempt to establish an generally demonstrate a that deal with incubator and to provide casualties. trainings, it has had little low level of interest. currency exchange Many conflicts broke out and fuel. impact. lasting for months, with street wars, shootings, Governmental Oversight / revenge, and assassinations Historical landmarks continuing even after these Tribalism Civil Society and Activism Ben Walid has many tribal conflicts were "resolved" in Government oversight is very poor, cash settings and tribal councils. The tribes' impact is generally seen as negative, and is generally inaccessible, and people is nationally known for many feel that it would be better if the tribes' role struggle to keep up with black market excellent wool production. Tribes are the main source was strictly limited to social affiliation. prices for goods and necessities. Mardoom and Garjooma of conflict in the city. They Civil activities are quite moderate. There feature heritage sites are extremely violent Tribal feuds have been responsible for a lot of armed have been a few activities that have and various landmarks that sometimes and cause a lot conflict in the city, along with nepotism and taking engaged in public advocacy campaigns, date back to before BC. There of bloodshed. control of government facilities and institutions. The but civic culture isn’t strong, nor is it is also Castle Abuarkan as well only available form of protection in the city is independent from tribal affiliations. as the City of Kerza, which through tribes. hosts the oldest church in Libya. Social structures are based on tribal affiliations. Economy Politics Misurata Imports and manufacturing are the two main motors of Political power is highly contentious and With a population of about 550 thousand, Misurate is the third- the economy in Misurata. polarized, leaving it unclear who holds the largest city in Libya. The 2014–2015 conflict in Benghazi led to With the airport and shipping most influence in Misurata. Businessmen have port, Misurata is the main heavy migration into Misurata from other parts of Libya, as did the a strong, undeniable impact on the political gate for imports, especially in 2016 conflict in Sirte. discourse in Misurata, but they are under GNA west and south rule. Misurata is a very powerful city due to Only very recently, in 2019-2020, did the conflict in Tripoli Libya. Manufacturing is also both its economic impact and its armed prompted many to return to Misurata. a leading industry in militias: Misurata boasts the biggest portion of Misurata, as the city's the western army and arguably the strongest relative stability enables armed force in the country. The city was many manufactories to stay involved in every armed conflict in Libya and open. played a vital role in ending the Ghaddafi Conflict Service industries include Black market regime and in fighting ISIS in Libya. the public relations, event Historical background The Minister of Interior The black market is largely run political scene is also dictated by these planning, and other services. by the militias that control variables where the local political scene is The city of Misurata has long of the Government of Manufacturing is thriving in import shipping at the harbour. highly polarized with people’s participation It mostly revolves around drugs been known for its National Accord, Fathi Misurata due to a almost completely affiliated to concentration of and spirits; fuel is rarely traded merchants, businesses, and personal\familial\tribal agenda Bashagha, Vice expertise, including many in the city. Most essentials vary harbour. It's thought of as in price according to the Misurata city has been involved in all President of the trained workers who initially the economic engine of worked for Libyan Iron and currency exchange rate, which Presidency Council is another key element in the armed conflicts in Libya. Libya’s center. Steel Co. (a government black market. Ahmed Maitiq, former owned factory). President of the Supreme Council of Tribal affiliations Civil society and activism State Abdulrahman Al- Swehli and also head Entrepreneurship scene Tribes have a strong social impact and Misurata's civil society is are the main providers of economic of the Justice and amongst the most active in The entrepreneurial scene in Misurata is fairly active, support, but that power does not Construction Party Libya. with many startups and entreprises as well extend far in the political realm. Mohammed sowan TV, radio, some national TV as relatively easy access to capital. The many Economically, tribal support is channels, and Misurata Radio businessmen in the city support entrepreneurial important for allocating channel have been growth and provide job opportunities to many skilled jobs, networking, and frequently anchors during the city siege in workers. accessing funding. 2011 and these continue to The city's economy is lively. Prices are slightly higher Tribal political impact, by provide consistent than in surrounding cities. It’s a destination for many contrast, is very limited. Politics tend and prominent coverage even migrants for economic purposes as well as for to be more interest-based and during the pandemic security, access to the cash economy, and job along familial lines. opportunities. Political domination Tubruk Informal market Under the interim government, the Little of the market is Tubruk is a border city near Egypt, located to the far northeast of city is run by a Management formalized or legitimized. Libya. With 3 coastlines, the city is a bay, surrounded by the council that took charge over Although many attempts Mediterranean with three natural harbours that function even in two years ago, but has yet to have been launched to troubled seas, two oil harbours (Alkhalij and Breega) and a receive any budget. The correct the situation, tribal commercial harbor that imports all goods for the city as well as municipality says that it receives affiliation and protection some of the west. Tubruk also has an international airport. taxes for its budget by running remain the biggest various projects in the city, such as obstacles. infrastructure projects. Butchers, beauty salons, The municipality is quite active in restaurants, and shops all reflect the many waves of running different developmental Conflict Main economic activities projects. Residents are not generally The biggest employer in the migration to the inner- Black market Conflict in Tubruk stems almost Steel, junk cars and any metal very active in politics and feel safe in city is the public city from the city outskirts. exclusively from tribal power objects are often sold (or the tribal system. Often people migrate to struggles. The city recently sector. Tubruk is historically stolen, then sold) in the The city is currently suffering a the city center to start black market and smuggled experienced a short, armed known for cattle farming and severe Covid-19 outbreak, with a agricultural projects, but small side businesses to through the harbours. conflict between two tribes over Currency exchange is huge in heavy second wave, on which the recently the city’s economic supplement low pay rates a title in one of the city's Tubruk, as liquidity crises authorities are fully focusing their in the public sector. prestigious facilities. The dispute scene is simulataneously exhaust the efforts. economy. Kidnapping and was eventually solved in the city booming and suffering accompanying human trafficking are also council. problems. inflation. Sectors like real estate, clothing and Civil society and activism Tribal political impact restaurants are growing. The city shares a commercial Tubruk has a very active civil society with The city is generally militarized, The Economy and Entrepreneurship chamber with Egypt as it politically neutral initiatives that tend which is a recurrent theme imports many products from The economy is viewed as average by interviewees. Money toward education and advocacy. Civil highlighted in interviews and Egypt. laundering was mentioned freqneutly. Many new buildings society is active in mediating dialogue focus groups, as well as The city has big agricultural are crowding the city, there is a serious cash crisis, and many between different parties in the city. in online groups. The military is potential and cattle farming live under the poverty line, according to a member of the City The municipality also benefits from the only leader in the city, and projects are quite profitable. Council. However, many tech solutions are planned to ease journalists who publish a general interest is somewhat ruled by tribes, the pressure. The city has big commercial newsletter. The city also has a local radio according to interviewees, Entrepreneurial activity is moderate. Many tech enterprises and importation projects. station, which is highly popular, and since specific tribes control it are being launched in Tubruk, and many young Many Egyptians are involved Turbuk’s free radio station. Mainstream and manage its employments, people (mostly IDPs) power the labour market and enable the in the farming industry. media is used by everyone with immense projects, and finances. private sector to grow. However, money laundering is visible impact on the economic situation. in the city, as stated repeatedly by interviewees. Political domination Kufra Tribal economic impact The city comprises three municipalities: Kufra, known as Aljawf, is an oasis center southeast of the Libyan Alkufra, Robiana, and Tazerbo. These desert. It’s located in an isolated area in the Sahara Desert in a valley. The impact of tribalism on the are home to different cultural groups Little is known about the city’s population, with an estimated 55 economy is extreme. It doesn’t that support different political parties in thousand residents, a large number of whom are migrants from just affect profit, security or functionality. It is a recurrent the Libyan conflict. Kufra and Tazerbo, with Sudan, Egypt and Palestine, who were originally brought over by the Alwazy tribes and Arabs, are loyal to the theme in interviews and focus Ghaddafi regieme to work in public institutions (education, health, groups, and is also mentioned interim government in the east, while and even security). While some of these were returned under Robiana, populated by Tabu and their frequnetly on Facebook groups Ghaddafi, a larger portion of unregistered migrants live in the city and pages, as a factor that can armed groups, supports the GNA in the below the radar. determine whether someone west. The political alliances are unclear and can access government services vary according to agenda and specific such as education and cases. healthcare. Many Tabu tribes Kufra’s political situation is quite complex Main economic cannot access education and and is plagued by ethnic discrimination, Historical background activities must leave the city to get Entrepreneurship tribal alliances, and international a proper education. Some cases With the exception of some of severe injuries were reported involvement. All interviewees mentioned The city’s history is rich in The city has high potential. Agriculture crafts and handmade as a result of the difficulaties the security situation and described local both African and Islamic was a key economic activity in the city, goods, no small businesses facing Tabu citizens in as mangoes from Kufra are of high launch in the city. The city is in governance as tribal in character. The cultures. It’s the Tabu capital, sttempting to access emergency quality, but agricultural projects are need of capacity-building and Alzway tribe and Arabs make up the the remnant of Tazer medical care, due to their dying out due to greed and talent incubators to support majority of Kufra, where they control most ethnicity. AlKubra, and the capital of corruption. small and micro businesses of government facilities and institutions the Alsunesia Current economic activities and provide employment and employ the largest number of armed opportunities for youth. Movement. include transportation, commercial individuals. and water trade, and some farming and agricultural projects. Most of the businesses in the city are governmental (services such as health Landmarks Conflict and education) with the exception of trade and selling subsidized good for Kufra was a strategic trade center to Africa in black market prices. General economic state the past, along with rich remnants from the The city witnessed little armed conflict but was heavily affected by There is a robust black market in Tabu Culture (Slatana Altabaue and other Kufra, particularly due to the The city is very poor, little liquidity is available, and although the surrounding conflict in the Tabu castles) and the Zawya Sonosia in Taj, unregulated borders with three the city provides water supplies, mangoes and oil fields there country, tribal conflict, and ethnic the Sanousi Library, and Sanousi collage. countries, a no-tax agreement are little employment opportunities outside the public sector Along with its rich agricultural potential, discrimination. This, alongside low between Libya and Sudan (which (which is completely controlled by certain tribes). The natural water resources that supply Libya, oversight and little protection drives the transport of cars through infrastructure is deteriorated and the health sector is for minorities, pushed the city the borders to Sudan as a staple of the especially decrepit. and its oil fields, it is accessible to into a downward spiral. black market), alongside Government accountability is limited. Government facilities three borders—Egypt, Sudan and Chad. The city has a very particular the smuggling of fuel, flour and cattle. are poorly managed as they only support specific ethnicities. The city has outstanding tourism potential and extremely racist tribal system, It’s notable that some coveted breeds All interviewees agreed that laws are not equally, but rather along with tourism mentality among the of horses are smuggled through Kufra. target marginalized minorities. locals. Many speak of re-igniting tourism as a with Tabu and Arab tribes constantly fighting over territorial Tribal protections are very extreme for powerful and main source of income. control. controlling tribes. Alliances and loyalties are also frequently ethnic or familial in nature. Political affiliations Tazerbu Economy Tazerbu is on oasis in the Libyan desert, located in the Tazerbu is too small and the city is run quadrant, southwest of Kufra city. It’s 25–30 km long, made Tazerbu’s economy is largely by the Alzawaiat tribe, which is up of villages built around the oasis. based on agricultural Arab and supportive of the interim The population is very limited, most likely around 8 to 10 crops, includoing government and the LNA. However, thousand, according to interviewees. Tracking waves of migration mangoes, citrus fruits, there is a municipal council that’s in the city shows successive waves from the city to the coastal and palm trees, as well as adherent to the GNA. cities, as well as inbound migration from surrounding conflict the water trade. There are The city has representation from both areas or neighboring countries. the GNA and the LNA, and although no limited oil fields and some armed conflict happens between them, small projects and import and the two authorities enjoy a business. fragile détente, some paperwork is very Most of the farming difficult in the city due to the unclear History and Tribal economic market is in the informal facilities and alliances. landmarks market. Although little Tribal affiliations Tribal influence is moderate. The system impact information is available on the informal sector, The majority of the is as tribal as it is slow. The city was the seat of Tribal impact is evident in almost all interviewees locals are from one The two governments that have Tobou sultanate. Landmarks i employment processes, agreed that the large tribe and that authorities in the city are embodied in nclude the Taj Palace and the as dominant tribes only government exercises defines the city’s the tribes that defend them and create great man-made river. administrative mayhem. employ their own members. little oversight, making it political-tribal scene. Favoritism plays a major role. “useless” to register and In general, cash is hardly legitimize your business available. People suffer from the administrative chaos in Conflict the city as well as the Black and informal markets Tribal political impact difficulty of accessing public services (healthcare and Interviewees disagreed with one another on the black The politically power heavily favor education). The city is home There is little conflict in the market, with some claiming that in Tazerbu it is focused their political networks and favoritist to the great manmade river, city. The pace of life is on currency and fuel smuggling across borders. Same pointed networks, according to but it seems that this has little generally slow. out that a liter of gas costs 20 LYD, which the official price is one interviewee. impact over the labour Resident suffer from 15 cents. Others insisted that smuggling fuel is very rare in Tribal protectionism is moderate, market as few locals are the city, as it is distributed in an organized fashion. heavy administrative and is used by stronger, dominant employed in the facility. Entrepreneurship is limited, with no innovative projects or tribes. barriers, unweildy startups in city. However, microbusinesses and homemade Civil society and activism is bureacracy, and lack of goods are starting to flourish as government payments may moderate, with some limited cashflow and liquidity. be delayed by months at a time, and people must find stop- initiatives. gap solutions, according to one interviewee.