It’s no secret that security is chaotic in post-revolutionary Libyan cities. Observers have described the reality of a state unable to protect itself or its citizens. Worse still, no one is expects the situation to improve.

In my opinion, this is because those holding the reins of government are unable to develop a security vision to serve as a solid basis for the state and its institutions.

It’s no secret that security is chaotic in post-revolutionary Libyan cities. Observers have described the reality of a state unable to protect itself or its citizens. Worse still, no one is expects the situation to improve.

In my opinion, this is because those holding the reins of government are unable to develop a security vision to serve as a solid basis for the state and its institutions.

After years of constraints under tyrannical rule, we now breathe the first breaths of freedom. The culture of sit-ins, protests and strikes has spread to state facilities, whether civilian or military. However, progress has been dented by militants’ whims, their differing visions and ideologies have given rise to chaos and lawlessness.

Consequently, citizens are affected by the prevailing mood of those charged with their security and protection. On the other hand, politicians are benefiting ideologically and personally from this up-in-the air reality.

This chaotic situation has fed opportunism and extortion. Now we see militias of prominent political figures working to ensure their boss’ protection and security. They resort to any means, legal or illegal, even breaking into an airport and paralyzing air traffic. Such acts have dire consequences on the economy and the running of the country.

Some of these militias have attacked the council of ministers, public banks and even the prime minister, forcing him to sign disbursement instruments. Moreover, citizens suffer flagrant assaults and personal violations.

Even worse, ministry of interior (MoI) forces have withdrawn from roads and stopped protecting vital institutions, such as hospitals and banks. The reasons for this lack of security are various, including disagreement among different security services, non-payment of employees’ salaries by the ministry and its  failure to complete their contracts.

In a worrying development, an MoI official ordered forces to withdraw to their headquarters, leaving behind a security vacuum. His move was a knee-jerk reaction to criticism against the MoI by representatives of the General National Council (GNC). This is an apparent abuse of citizens’ security for point scoring, putting personal interests above national security.

A characteristic trait of totalitarian regimes was their ability to subdue state institutions – whether security or civilian – to consolidate their rule and ensure their survival. To this end, they altered the aim of security: Instead of protecting state institutions and enforcing the law, security services became private security arrangements to defend key figures.

This decadent situation damages the state and its reputation. When Amwar L. Sadat, former Egptian president, assigned official guards to accompany the Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor during her stay in Egypt, she was allegedly surprised and shocked. A guard at the time said, “is not it a misfortune that we have nothing to do but to guard a Hollywood actress?”

Changing security ideology from protecting a tyranny to protecting a state and its citizens is no easy task — but the task of guaranteeing the security, rights and freedom of citizens, is an important next step for Libya.

This may not be straight-forward given the deep mistrust between rebels who had prominent roles in the country’s liberation. It doesn’t help that the government is failing to build and cleanse judiciary institutions.

Nevertheless, ongoing dialogue between different groups and individuals will help quell disagreement and, therefore, improve safety. National interest is a top priority and everyone should accept. It is time to ditch the whims and power struggles which have stalled our development.

It’s down to the transitional government to lead this dialogue and play a pivotal role in reconciling the foes. After all, it has been granted legitimacy by the people who entrusted it with the establishment of the civil state.

The most important role of the supervisory authority (GNC) is to monitor the performance of the security establishment, especially in its delicate early stages, in order to correct errors and prevent another outbreak of dictatorship.