On Thursday, the European Union (EU) voiced its “deep concern” following the recent armed confrontations and incitement to violence in Tripoli.
In a statement, the EU called for calm and underlined that “violence would only threaten Libya’s unity, stability, and prosperity.” It also recalled the “importance of protecting civilians and urged all actors to refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire agreement. There is no alternative to a political solution.”
The EU encouraged all parties to “act responsibly and to engage in a genuine dialogue under the auspices of the UN to find a consensual way forward.” It also stressed its support for the UN-facilitated constitutional talks underway in Cairo.
“In consistency with UNSC resolutions and in order to lead to stability, to safeguard the unity of the country, and to ensure a renewed legitimacy for Libyan institutions, we reaffirm the necessity of a viable path towards credible and inclusive national Presidential and Parliamentary elections as soon as possible throughout Libya,” the EU statement read.
The EU noted that the “aspirations of millions of Libyans who have expressed the wish to choose their leaders deserve to be respected.”
The EU stressed the need to preserve Libyan institutions, their independence, and unity so that they do not become a driver for conflict, and serve all Libyans.
“We, therefore, underscore the need for a transparent management and equitable distribution of resources and delivery of public services across the whole country for the benefit of all people in Libya,” the statement concluded.
Violent clashes erupted on Tuesday in Tripoli after Parliament-backed Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha failed to enter the capital. Bashagha’s media office said the PM left Tripoli hours after his arrival, “to stop the bloodshed and ensure the safety and security of the people.”
He had entered overnight, accompanied by allied fighters in the hope of taking over the government headquarters. He was quickly met by opposition from forces aligned with the GNU. This is Bashagha’s second failed attempt to enter Tripoli.
Bashagha condemned the armed escalation carried out by the militias in Tripoli. He said he was surprised by the “dangerous military escalation,” despite him and his ministers entering Tripoli peacefully.
He also condemned the endangerment of civilians describing it as “a crime punishable by law.” He stressed that his government cannot “contribute to compromising the security of the capital, and its residents.”