On Thursday, the National Commission for Human Rights in Libya (NCHRL) expressed its concerns over the recent military movements and mobilization of forces in different areas of Tripoli, and surrounding cities.
In a statement, the Commission said that “a new escalation of violence and armed clashes is looming. This poses a great threat to the security and safety of civilians and their properties in the capital, Tripoli.”
It also called on “all Libyan parties and armed entities to exercise restraint and immediately halt any armed escalation and avoid further violence and fighting.” The NCHRL warned against “dragging the country into a new civil war and endangering Libya’s national, social, and geographical unity, security, and social peace.”
It called on the parties to “refrain from taking any measures or practices that would undermine state security and stability, and deepen the political and social division among the Libyan people.”
The Commission held all concerned parties fully and legally responsible for any escalation that would “undermine the security and safety of citizens, prejudice social peace, and all efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability.”
Concerns have escalated over the return of violence and clashes to Tripoli. This is due to a recent military build-up over the past few days, following the ongoing dispute between the incumbent PM, Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba and the Parliament-designated Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said it was “following with deep concern the ongoing mobilization of forces and threats to resort to force to resolve legitimacy claims in Libya.”
It called for immediate de-escalation, and reiterated that the use of force by any party is unacceptable. As this would not lead to an outcome that secures recognition by the international community.
“The current political stalemate and all aspects of the crisis that afflicts Libya cannot be resolved through armed confrontation. These issues can only be resolved by the Libyan people exercising their right to choose their leaders and the renewal of legitimacy of State institutions through democratic elections,” UNSMIL said on Tuesday.
The mission affirmed that it will continue to work with relevant Libyan institutions and all actors to put the electoral process back on track as soon as possible.