Following the recent clashes in Tripoli, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) called on all Libyan parties to “concentrate on taking all necessary measures to prevent further violence.”
In a statement on Wednesday, UNSMIL reminded all parties of their “obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including detention centers.” It has also welcomed the Libyan authorities’ stated plans to remove armed group installations from civilian areas in Tripoli.
The UNSMIL commended the mediation and preventive efforts undertaken by community leaders, the Joint Military Commission (JMC), and the Army’s Chief of Staff in Tripoli, and “encourages them to continue to engage the concerned parties.”
UNSMIL called on all parties to “resolve disputes through dialogue.” It reiterated that the “current political impasse can only be resolved through inclusive national elections that enable the Libyan people to choose their leaders, and renew the legitimacy of institutions. Libyan leaders must agree on a pathway to elections without delay.”
Notably, Libya’s Health Ministry reported that 32 people had been killed, and 159 wounded during the clashes.
Fighting broke out in various districts of Tripoli between groups armed with both heavy and light weapons, as two rival governments yet again vie for power in the oil-rich but impoverished North African country.
Gunshots and explosions rang through the darkened streets of Tripoli, according to media reports.
Libya has had two competing governments since March, when the eastern-based Parliament appointed Fathi Bashagha to replace Dbaiba. This renewed a standoff between the east and west of the country. Dbaiba, who was chosen as interim Prime Minister over a year ago in UN-backed talks, has refused to cede power to Bashagha.
The oil-rich country had descended into turmoil and violence following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi.
Recently, The United National Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed its solidarity with the “countless victims of enforced disappearances and missing persons in Libya.”
“UNSMIL has documented disappearances of perceived political opponents, politically active women and men, human rights defenders, members of parliament, lawyers, and judges. As well as migrants and asylum-seekers,” it said in a statement.