At least 30 people were reportedly killed and many left injured in the Libyan eastern city of Benghazi in a protest against the New islamist Libyan government for its ineffective to disband militias’ activities in the city.

The clashes were said to have erupted when protesters gathered outside the Libya Shield Brigade premises demanding that the brigade should be abolish. The Libya Shield Brigade fought in the conflict that ended the Gaddafi government.

The Libyan government has struggled to tackle the presence of armed militias since Gaddafi’s death in 2011. Most of the militias have vowed not to lay down their arms if some of their demands are not met.

Army chief of staff Youssef al-Mangoush tendered his resignation letter to the Libyan General National Congress after the unrest which resulted in the deaths and injuries.

Mr. al- Mangoush reportedly submitted his resignation letter in a closed door session of the General National Congress in an emergency sitting as a result of the unrest.

A close anonymous source in the assembly disclosed to reporters that the General National Congress then accepted his resignation in a session on Sunday.

The anonymous further added that Mr. al-Mangoush was seen by the General National Congress as ineffective and to blame for much of the country’s problems with the militias.

Some analysts therefore say they believe that Mr. Al-Mangoush was probably forced to resign by the General National Congress. The General National Congress is the highest decision body in Libya.

Residents in Benghazi living around the main hospital told local reporters that some of the dead suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and that there were six cases of amputations among the dozens of people who were left injured.

But the Libyan army has assured the country that it would take control of all bases run by the Libya Shield Brigade in Benghazi and other cities.

The area where the clashes broke out has been taken over by a special forces of the army, an army spokesman told reporters on Sunday evening.

The government has also promised to investigate into the incident and bring the perpetrators of the act to book to serve as deterrent to other militias in the country.

An attack on the US consulate in Benghazi killed four people, including the ambassador Chris Stevens and a dangerous explosion on the French embassy in the capital Tripoli were all blamed on these militias.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Benghazi last year in a protest to eject a number of armed groups that they blamed for continuing lawlessness in the city.

Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa News

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