Libya is yet to know peace and stability almost two years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.

Thanks to massive Western military intervention and support to rebels, the 42-year reign of Col. Muammar Gaddafi was terminated in 2011, ending in his brutal killing. Almost two years on, peace and stability are yet to return to the country.

Persistent Insecurity

Armed men last week surrounded government ministries in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, demanding the exclusion from the current government of all those who served under Gaddafi. Only last year, four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens, were killed on September 11 when heavily armed men overran the Benghazi Mission compound. The French Embassy in Tripoli was bombed on April 23, 2013, wounding two guards and a little girl.

Loose Arms, Militias

The 2011 Libyan War left in its wake a lot of weapons in free circulation. While some were taken across the border into northern Mali by rebels to launch their renewed but successful offensive in 2012, other arms remained in the country. The presence of armed militias, with each lording it over their own territory, has further polarised the country.   

No Standing Army, Police Force

The absence of a standing national army to stamp its authority on the whole country is largely responsible for the chaos being witnessed in Libya. The war had its toll on the military and Police Force. Many of those who survived the onslaught are either in hiding or fled abroad for fear of reprisals. This situation has given the leeway for all manner of gunmen to prosper.

Jostling For Power

The antics of various armed groups and militias in Libya today are simply cases of jostling for power. Several interest groups, especially restive ethnic nationalities, want to make their voices heard as they struggle to secure some level of autonomy or resource benefits for their regions.

Porous Borders

With no standing army and a decimated security force, it is only natural that Libya’s borders have become more porous since the end of the war. While pro-Gaddafi armed fighters from the Sahel fled the country in 2011 after his fall, the reverse seems to be happening now. The French onslaught earlier this year to wrest control of northern Mali from Islamic militants has sent them fleeing back into Libya. There have been suggestions that the recent bombing of the French Embassy in Tripoli might have been the handiwork of such militants.

Gaddafi’s Haunting Ghost  

After a 42-year reign during which he wielded a lot of influence, it is only natural that supporters of the late Libyan leader should seek to have their pound of flesh. Especially as his downfall is known to have been masterminded from abroad by interests only too eager to - at last - lay hands on the country’s vast petroleum and gas resources. Thus, the recent happenings in the country might just be indicative of attempts to settle scores.

Winning Peace

Libya’s new leaders might already have realised that seeking and securing external support to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi was one thing. But winning peace – restoring security and stability – might prove to be an even taller order like in Iraq, Afghanistan and Côte d’Ivoire.