The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has raised alarm over escalating tensions and a growing military presence in Tripoli and the broader western region, urging all parties to step back from confrontation.
In a statement issued on Monday, UNSMIL said it is “closely monitoring reports of the military build-up and escalating tensions” in the Libyan capital and surrounding areas. The mission called on all factions to “immediately deescalate the situation, refrain from any provocative actions, and resolve disputes through dialogue.”
UNSMIL stressed its support for Libyan-led peace efforts, particularly initiatives led by elders and community figures working to prevent armed conflict. “The Mission strongly supports Libyan efforts, including those led by elders and community leaders, to achieve a peaceful resolution,” the statement read.
The UN also reminded all actors in Libya of their “critical responsibility” to protect civilians. Recent days have seen increasing mobilisation of armed forces around Tripoli, fuelling fears of renewed violence in a city that has seen periods of fragile calm following years of conflict.
Western Libya has remained politically divided, with competing security forces aligned with different political and regional actors. Despite repeated international calls for unification and elections, tensions have continued to simmer.
The United Nations has reiterated its appeal for calm and called on all Libyan parties to prioritise dialogue over confrontation.
Observers fear that any military escalation could derail ongoing talks and deepen the political crisis gripping the North African country. UNSMIL urged all parties to return to negotiations and avoid actions that could destabilise the region further.
