 |
Main Menu
Home
News
Travel
Culture
History
Government
Security
Terrorism
Maps
Videos
Info Resources
USG Info
United Nations
Glossary
Site Map
Abdelghani al-Kikli
Al-Kikli, aka "Ghnewa, was the long-time leader of the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA). In May 2025 he was killed during a meeting with Major General Hamza, the commander of Brigade 444 and Director of Military Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense.
Ghneiwa was referred to by many as 'the major of Tripoli', as he held considerable power within the power elite of capital city. He had gained control of the Abu Saleem municipality shortly after the revolution of 2011. His revolutionary group has been integrated into the government security architecture since the revolution in various forms. Although considered a government security organization he was never subject to a higher authority.
His forces played a central role in the 2015 Libya Dawn operation. In 2016 his militia was incorporated into the Ministry of Interior. Once the Government of National Unity (GNU) was established his militia became known as the Support and Stabilty Apparatus under the Presidency Council. During the 2019-2020 "Volcano of Rage" operation his units fought against Khalifa Haftar's attempt to capture Tripoli.
He had been slowly growing his reach and influence within the government and financial institutions in Tripoli and the other western cities. Many of his subordinates or associates were in high positions within the government. One associate was in charge of the Central Bank of Libya's cash deliveries. His influence spread beyond Tripoli into Gharyan and Zliten.
At the time of his death he was attempting to take control of the Libyan Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Company. This would have given him access to valuable and sensitive information. His pursuit of control of key state institutions - and sidelining the GNU - was one of the primary reasons for tension rising in recent months.
Ghnewa has been "accused of involvement in a broader network linked to Khalifa Haftar and the United Arab Emirates, allegedly working to undermine Tripoli's leadership". 1.
Endnotes
1. See "The killing of Abdul Ghani al-Kikli may be a turning point for Libya", by Karim Mezran and Darlo Cristiani, Atlantic Council.
|
|