As Libya again teeters on the brink of violence the United Nations (UN) mission in the North African country appealed for calm as military tension rises, particularly in and around Tripoli.
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) this week expressed concern over continued reports of armed group mobilisation in densely populated areas, urging all parties to refrain from the use of force and inflammatory rhetoric. “The mission strongly urges all parties to avoid actions or political rhetoric that could trigger escalation or lead to renewed clashes” an UNSMIL statement read, in part.
UNSMIL emphasised protection of civilian lives and property under international law remained a binding obligation for all political and security actors. “Those responsible for attacks against civilians will be held accountable,” it added.
The Mission reiterated its support for implementation of security arrangements developed by the Truce and Security and Military Arrangements Committees, saying “forces recently deployed in Tripoli must withdraw without delay.
Dialogue – not violence – UNSMIL has it, remains the only viable path to achieving sustainable peace and stability in Tripoli and across Libya.
The UNSMIL appeal came amid reports of military movements in the capital and renewed clashes between armed groups, reflecting what the statement said was “the persistent volatility that has plagued Libya since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011”.
The country remains divided between rival administrations in the east and west, with unity efforts repeatedly stalled.
A UN-brokered ceasefire signed in 2020 raised hopes for national elections, but progress was hampered by political deadlock and sporadic outbreaks of violence – particularly in Tripoli.
In May there were clashes in several Tripoli districts, reportedly triggered by the killing of a prominent militia leader. The fighting with “heavy weaponry” in densely populated areas forced hundreds to flee and strained the city’s already fragile infrastructure according to UNSMIL.
The post UN mission in Libya appeals for calm as tensions increase appeared first on defenceWeb.
