INCIDENTS such as the blockade on Oct. 31 of the General National Congress (GNC) along with other events in which armed militia members have staged demonstrations and or strikes against the government are increasing. This is a clear indication that Libya is not heading toward democracy and that the government is not really free and representative of the people – in my opinion. I wrote in a previous op-ed that any government in Libya cannot survive or operate with the existence of any group of armed militias on the ground. There have been those who call some militias “Legitimate” and “Working under Government Authority” but all of this is simply a misconception. Militias work with the government when their agendas and goals are met, but can and will be an enemy and dangerous threat when their demands are not agreed upon. This is not the first time that a group of armed militia members have stormed a government building or a ministry. But for a group of men to stall the legitimate work of the GNC, the only democratic elected body in Libya, and prevent them from entering their building and working, sends a strong signal that Libya is not free. It in fact sends the signal that Libya is ruled by these militias and their agenda comes before the Libyan people. It is obvious and clear that with the existence of these entities, any politician will always have a guideline to abide by and another interest group (influential and armed) to refer back to before taking any decision. Their interests come way ahead of the Libyan people and the problem is that there are many of them with different ideologies and goals. How can we expect the government to focus on Libya when it has these groups watching over it? The difference between an armed militia (even legitimate) is that it operates with its own group and serves its purpose and leader. On the other hand, a police force or a national army serves the government which is elected by the people and this where the line is clear. Militias will work with the government on occasions but can work against it, while the police and army are always there to serve the government without any political interest or influence. Armed militias if not integrated completely under the government will eventually act as Guardians of the Revolution and its principles, without giving a clear guideline as to what they are. They can always avoid responsibility and as they have no official (Government) role but yet they they have the ultimate approval of government performance. We see this example clearly in Iran where the High Revolutionary Guards operate as Guardians of the Revolution and their power surpasses the elected government and in Lebanon where the militias control the appointments and operations of the government having the ability to bring it to a complete halt if they do not agree with it. Does Libya still need a Guardian of the Revolution? Or does it need a government? Are these militias protecting the revolution or themselves? I believe in the revolution and in the vital role the revolutionaries played and the sacrifices they made for Libya and its freedom, but it is time for all of them to put their arms down and to join the elected government in building Libya. Otherwise we will always be faced with an armed protest (even if it is called a peaceful demonstration) as there is no such a thing as armed members protesting peacefully, and Libya needs cooperation not confrontation. The reality is that our government and elected officials are hostages to these armed militias and while they exist we will never have democracy in Libya.
