Libya: Haftar's Authoritarian Model Expands 15 Years Post-Gaddafi
Fifteen years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, eastern Libya, particularly Benghazi, has experienced a semblance of stability under Marshal Khalifa Haftar's de facto rule. Despite Libya's continued political fragmentation, Haftar—once an exiled Gaddafi associate—asserts control over most of Cyrenaica and parts of southern Libya through his Libyan National Army, operating an authoritarian regime unrecognized internationally. His family increasingly dominates, with his sons assuming powerful positions, suggesting a dynastic succession.
Benghazi has undergone a transformation, showcased as a model of reconstruction with foreign investors and infrastructure projects led by Haftar’s son Belgacem. However, transparency is lacking, and public finances are strained, exacerbated by a devalued currency. Critics decry corruption and human rights abuses by militias under Haftar’s sons, notably Saddam, accused of war crimes.
Despite peace since the 2020 ceasefire, political unification and elections remain elusive. Haftar’s 2021 presidential bid failed due to political deadlock, and his health raises questions about succession. The prospects of democracy recede as his authoritarian model tightens its grip, capitalizing on Libya’s weak dual-governance structure and regional support.
Background and Context
At sunset, families crowded along the Benghazi Corniche. The Mediterranean Sea was calm at the end of 2025: Children ventured between the rocks, and in front of the recently renovated Sidi Khrebish ... .
Benghazi, the "capital" of Cyrenaica (in ... "Benghazi is doing ... ," said Amal El-Gharbi ... "restored security," a privilege that had been taken ... .
Certainly, when they think back ... "much better before the revolution," the two people in their ... "Today, we live in a ... ," the father explained.
In 2011, right ... .
Haftar's Ascendancy and Control
Fifteen years after the ... "strongman" of Benghazi, managed ... After fighting against jihadist groups and ... .
In his territory, the marshal ... Increasingly, however, he is ... .
Haftar's model is a ... .
It is no exaggeration to ... "Before the revolution, it was ... ," recalled Youssef Al-S ... "Libyans began to kill each ... ," he explained.
Consolidation of Power and Future Prospects
In 2011, after ... "So many people died," Al-Sahli said in ... "All that blood spilled across the ... ." He added, with a mix ... "Fortunately, we have regained a ... ."
In 2014, Ha ... "savior" of the nation in the face ... .
At the head of his troops ... "terrorists" – a term he used at ... "Karama" ("Dignity") that ended in victory in ... .
In 2019, buoy ... .
With the ceasefire signed on ... "But the Haftar family has ... ," said Jalel Harchaoui ... "They are in no hurry, ... ."
Economic Developments and Challenges
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At the same time, he ... "Despite his rout in western Libya ... ," said a Libyan diplomatic source.
Demonstrating the strength of ... .
They have turned Benghazi ... "Medical centers, hospitals, roads ... ," listed Ageila El-Abbar ... th floor of the Zaho Tower ... .
An engineer by training, he stands ... "The past 40 years have ... ," said El-Abbar, citing ... .
Reconstruction Efforts and Transparency Concerns
Haftar's Libyan ambitions ... "international road," which is eventually intended to connect ... Le Monde by El-Abbar.
The gaping wound left by the ... From this devastated city, construction sites ... "There is no transparency about how ... ," said a Benghazi resident ... "No one knows how companies are ... ."
Despite accusations of corruption leveled ... "Some countries helped us open our ... ," said El-Abbar, adding ... .
To promote its image, Beng ... .
But this costly policy has drained ... "On the one hand, we ... ," said Ahmed Moussa, a ... "But on the other hand, ... ."
Political Implications and Future Outlook
With the consolidation of the Ha ... "The people are ready for elections ... ," said Emad Al-Say ... "We need a unified government, ... ."
In 2021, Ha ... .
