The violence that killed 55 people around the intersection called "Return to Life" was Tripoli's worst in years and wrecked any illusion of an easing of Libya's decade of conflict and chaos that has often disrupted the OPEC state's oil output and made it a big departure point for migrants heading to Europe.
"It is very difficult to explain to your young son what is going on while you are trying to protect your family," he said, explaining how he had enjoyed the easier route to work and other benefits of government spending, such as more electricity. Both factions backed Dbeibah during a violent power struggle last year. They are the most powerful in Tripoli along with a third, the Stability Support Apparatus. But they have never really been allies. Other groups were driven out of Tripoli.
No political leader looks able to bring the armed factions under tighter state control or deliver a lasting solution to the wider conflict.