Libya has been experiencing ongoing political instability and conflict since the Arab Spring protests in 2011, which led to the ousting and death of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. This initial uprising sparked the First Libyan Civil War, followed by a prolonged period of violence and fragmentation among rival armed groups
. After the first civil war, Libya descended into a second civil war starting in 2014, involving competing governments and military coalitions: the Tripoli- based Government of National Unity (GNU) controlling the west, and the House of Representatives-backed Government of National Stability in the east, supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar
. Despite a ceasefire agreement in October 2020, political and military tensions have persisted, with occasional clashes and mobilizations raising fears of renewed conflict
. In addition to the political and military turmoil, Libya faces severe humanitarian crises. In September 2023, Storm Daniel caused catastrophic flooding in northeastern Libya, especially devastating the city of Derna, killing thousands and displacing tens of thousands more. The disaster response was hampered by political divisions, and survivors have received limited compensation or reconstruction aid
. Libya also remains a major transit country for migrants attempting to reach Europe, with ongoing human rights abuses documented against migrants, including forced labor, torture, and trafficking. Mass graves of migrants have been discovered, prompting UN investigations
. Overall, Libya continues to grapple with fractured governance, armed conflict, humanitarian disasters, and human rights violations, with no definitive resolution yet in sight
