Following the 2011 Libyan revolution that removed Muammar Qaddafi from power, state security and justice institutions have struggled to reemerge to meet the needs of the people. In the resulting security vacuum, armed groups have assumed a role in security provision, many as quasi-state actors and yet outside of state command and control. Formal security and justice actors have been threatened, attacked and assassinated.

With state security and justice institutions largely nonfunctioning, some communities have turned to vigilante justice, tribal leaders and elders, or resorted to self-help when faced with conflicts and disputes. As levels of violence intensify, many are left wondering: How did we get here, and what could be done to change the situation? To address these questions, on September 29 the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) held a discussion on Twitter on Libya’s security and justice landscape and the country’s current crisis. The discussion brought together experts from USIP, Libya and around the world. To continue the conversation, follow #USIPLibya.

This Twitter conversation previewed a discussion on security and justice in Libya at the U.S. Institute of Peace headquarters on September 30. For more information, see Security and Justice in Post-Revolution Libya: Dignity, Dawn and Deadlock.

The discussion focused on a few key themes: how can Libya re-shape the security system? What can be done to deal with the militia issue? What can justice institutions do, in light of little to no security, to regain the confidence of Libyans? How can the international community best support Libyan civil society during this difficult time? Finally, how might the deadlock among the political leaders and elites of Libya be overcome?

Participating from USIP (@USIP):

Fiona Mangan (@FionaBMangan)
Senior Program Officer, Rule of Law, United States Institute of Peace

Christina Murtaugh (@murfrog)
Senior Program Officer, Rule of Law, United States Institute of Peace

Participating around the world:

Hanan Salah (@hananHRW)
Libya Researcher, Human Rights Watch

Colin Townson (@ColinFTownson)
Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy of Canada to Libya