EU urges end to Libya violence as death toll soars
September 22, 2018
Fighting between rival militias in Tripoli has left more than 100 people dead since late August despite a UN-backed ceasefire. The EU has warned that those violating a fragile ceasefire "will face consequences."
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/M. B. Khalifa
Advertisement
An EU delegation in Libya on Saturday urged warring militias fighting in the capital, Tripoli, to end the latest escalation of violence, saying it "has caused civilian fatalities."
"The solution to the Libyan crisis remains political, not military," the EU delegation said in a statement. "All those responsible for violating the ceasefire or fueling violence will face consequences."
Clashes since late August have left more than 100 people dead, prompting an outcry from Libya's UN-backed government, formerly known as the Government of National Accord (GNA).
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm at "the increasing number of violations of the ceasefire agreement signed by armed groups," according to his spokesman.
The GNA late Friday urged the UN mission in Libya to "present the Security Council with the reality of the bloody events in Libya so that it can … protect the lives and property of civilians." It added that the situation requires "concrete and effective" action.
Taher El-Sonni on Conflict Zone
26:01
This browser does not support the video element.
Chaos in Libya
Armed militias have fought for influence and control across Libya since 2011, when an uprising evolved into a civil war that witnessed NATO involvement. Former Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown and subsequently killed by rebels.
Two rival governments comprising the UN-backed GNA in Tripoli and an Islamist-oriented one in Tobruk — both with backing from several armed militias — have continued to vie for power.
When Libya's former leader Moammar Gadhafi was toppled from power, many were optimistic that big changes were in store for the country. Six years later, the country is still in turmoil.
Image: Reuters/R. Casilli
Ousted after decades
For more than 40 years, Moammar Gadhafi was the eccentric strongman in power in Libya. He was known for his odd behavior - and for his regime's ties to international terror groups. Libya was one of the countries swept up by the Arab Spring, and protests eventually turned into a civil war. Gadhafi fled but was eventually captured and killed In October, 2011.
Image: AP
Chance for peace
After Gadhafi fell, the eyes of the world were on Libya in the hope that the country would have a smooth transition to democracy. By July 2012, democratic parliamentary elections had taken place, but it proved to be a challenge for the country's politicians to form a coalition and compromise on issues that would bring further stability.
Image: AP
Militias gaining strength
Another problem facing Libya in the post-Gadhafi era was the rise of violent militias. While various armed groups did band together to topple the dictator, they did not have a common cause to rally around after his death. Instead, they fought each other. Terrorist groups were also on the rise in Libya, and staged a deadly attack on the US embassy in Benghazi on September 11, 2012.
Image: Reuters
Deeply divided
Political divisions became deeper in the years following Gadhafi's ouster. The UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) is the internationally-recognized authority in Libya, but several factions on the ground are claiming a hold on power. Jihadist groups including the so-called 'Islamic State' have gained a significant foothold in the country, making any progress precarious.
Image: picture alliance/Xinhua/H. Turkia
Shifting sands
At present, the Tripoli-based GNA controls parts of western and central Libya while Haftar's Libyan National Army holds much of the northeast. However, areas of power are constantly shifting due to ongoing "Islamic State" violence and the country's many different smaller factions.
Looking for help
In recent weeks, Libya has reached out to NATO for assistance in strengthening the country's security institutions in an effort to end the power struggle between competing governments and militias. Leaders of two of the biggest groups - the GNA and the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army LNA - called for an end to the political and economic crises in the country.
