Abu Salim in security vacuum after strongman’s death

Abu Salim, one of Tripoli’s largest and most densely populated districts, is experiencing security challenges that have raised concerns amongst residents and business owners.

The area is considered the main southern gateway into the capital and borders the strategic Airport Road and the capital’s International Airport. Abu Salim is Libya’s most densely populated area and is home to two of Tripoli’s largest hospitals, its largest garment market, and one of western Libya’s largest scrap yards.

These developments follow the absence of the Stability Support Apparatus, which previously maintained security operations in the area.

A Libyan Express correspondent reports that many commercial establishments and markets in the Fountain Market area have remained closed since the death of Stability Support Apparatus chief Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, better known as Gheniwa. Gheniwa, the head of the SSA, was killed on 12 May 2025, triggering significant clashes in Tripoli, particularly in the Abu Salim area, which was the SSA’s stronghold. This event has profoundly impacted the security landscape.

Business owners cite security concerns and the presence of security personnel from other areas and affiliated brigades as reasons for keeping their establishments closed.

Gheniwa’s rise to dominance in Abu Salim was enabled by his revolutionary credentials post-2011 and anti-crime efforts post-2014, before he began emphasising stability post-2019.

Previously, Abu Salim operated under the security oversight of the Stability Support Apparatus. During this period, commercial activity continued into the late evening hours, and the area maintained regular pedestrian traffic, indicating active economic and social life. The current situation presents a contrast to this previous state, with reduced commercial and economic activity reported.

Questions are being raised about potential steps by the Libyan Presidential Council to reconstitute the Stability Support Apparatus under new leadership. Consideration is also being given to the possible reinstatement of apparatus personnel, many of whom are from the Abu Salim area, as a means of addressing current security concerns and restoring stability to the district.

The situation continues to develop as residents and officials consider options for addressing the security challenges facing the area.