The ascent of three out of six of Khalifa Haftar’s sons to prominent positions in eastern and southern Libya has sparked questions about whether the military leader is preparing his children for future rule. Observers note that the expanding influence of Haftar’s sons reflects their father’s ambition for his family to govern a politically, economically, and security-divided Libya.
Military promotions of Haftar’s sons have drawn criticism from activists who argue that these appointments bypass the normal military hierarchy. Haftar’s youngest son, Saddam, has been appointed head of the ground forces controlling the east and south. Another son, Khalid, now leads security units with broad powers within the Libyan army. Belqasim Haftar, another son, chairs Libya’s Reconstruction Fund.
These appointments have raised concerns about growing military control in eastern Libya. Stephanie Williams, the Acting Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya, recently called on eastern authorities to allow the opening of polling stations for municipal elections, as 10 out of 12 centers were prevented from operating.
Some speculate that Haftar’s reluctance to support elections stems from fear that ballot boxes could end his era of influence. His forces, estimated at 22,000 fighters after losing 7,000 in the 2019 Tripoli war, are considered insufficient to control all of Libya’s vast territory.
A strategic and security affairs researcher quoted by Independent Arabia suggests that Saddam’s promotion to chief of ground staff doesn’t necessarily signal Haftar’s departure from military life. Instead, it’s seen as an effort to inject “new blood” into an aging military institution.
The difficult political and security situation in Libya has reportedly pushed this military bloc to intervene in various sectors, including agriculture and services, to maintain national security and protect land borders. Haftar’s sons have found themselves compelled to engage in reconstruction and development across eastern and southern Libya, filling a governmental void that has persisted for years.
Some supporters argue that these military-led development efforts, including agricultural projects in Kufra, Tazirbu, and Sabha, could help Libya achieve self-sufficiency in various sectors.
As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the long-term implications of the Haftar family’s growing influence on Libya’s political landscape and the prospects for democratic governance in the country.
