The rapid events in Libya reflect the severity of the crisis that the country continues to suffer in various areas. While the health of prominent leaders, Abdel Hamid Edbeiba, head of the National Unity Government in Tripoli, and Khalifa Haftar, military ruler of the eastern region in Benghazi, raises questions about the future of the political balance, more complex dimensions of the cross-border conflict emerge simultaneously, with the growing role of illicit networks connecting Libya with its African neighbors and reshaping the regional security landscape.
In the humanitarian sphere, international warnings persist about the deterioration of the human rights situation in the country, particularly in detention centers, amid growing criticism of the authorities’ actions in protecting the most vulnerable groups. Among these intertwined realities, Libya seems trapped in a cycle of prolonged fragility, where the political conflict intersects with security threats and challenges to human rights, reflecting the complexity of the crisis and its persistence without a clear perspective for resolution.
The health of Haftar and Edbeiba, a political matter
The French newspaper Le Monde raised questions about the health of Edbeiba and Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army, following their notable absence from the celebrations at the end of the holy month of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr). This absence fueled speculations about their health and the future of their leadership in the country.
In a recently published report, the newspaper highlighted the festive atmosphere of Eid in Libya, noting that thousands of worshippers attended Martyrs’ Square in the capital, Tripoli. Edbeiba’s absence was particularly striking, despite the fact that he himself had inaugurated the square, after its renovation, with a grand ceremony in February 2015. In the east of the country, the newspaper noted a similar scene in Benghazi, where the “Al-Kish” Square was filled with worshippers. Haftar was notably absent from the main prayer, which he usually attends, further intensifying questions about the reasons for his absence and rumors about his health.
Le Monde noted that the disappearance of the two figures provoked widespread reactions on Libyan social media, with numerous inquiries about their health amid unconfirmed reports. Some local media covered the news, highlighting the absence of leaders from the opposing side.
In this context, the newspaper reported that Edbeiba (67 years old) announced on February 21 that he would undergo more medical tests abroad as a precautionary measure, while Libyan sources indicated that he might need several weeks of recovery.
In the east of the country, the newspaper noted that the issue of succession is gaining significant relevance, with Saddam Haftar, appointed deputy commander of the Libyan National Army in August 2015, emerging as one of the main candidates, along with the possible competition from his older brother, Khaled.
The newspaper concluded that the risks of division persist on both sides of the Libyan conflict, with a higher likelihood in the west of the country, given the previous tensions that led to clashes between armed groups in May 2025.
To be continued…