On Tuesday, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the importance of supporting the ceasefire agreement in Libya. He stressed that the continued presence of foreign fighters and mercenaries in Libya undermines security and political gains.
“The United Nations is closely working with the African Union, the Arab League, and the European Union to support the implementation of the ceasefire in Libya,” Guterres said during a debate on enhancing confidence-building and dialogue in conflict prevention and resolution. He added that their cooperation with the African Union aims to support the Libyan authorities in promoting national reconciliation, and the transition of power.
On 23 October 2020, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) announced that Libya’s warring parties had signed an agreement for “a permanent ceasefire in all areas of Libya.”
On 5 February, Libya’s rival political groups agreed during UN-mediated talks in Geneva to form an interim government to lead the country until elections in December. Mohamed Al-Mnifi was elected to head a three-member Presidential Council, and Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba was elected as the new Prime Minister.