United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent measures to uphold the fragile ceasefire in Tripoli, warning that recent armed clashes in the Libyan capital could derail efforts toward peace and stability.
In a statement issued Thursday, Guterres expressed deep concern over the rapid escalation of violence, which saw the involvement of heavily armed groups and the use of artillery in densely populated civilian neighborhoods. Describing the situation as “extremely worrying,” he conveyed his sorrow at reports of at least eight civilian deaths in the recent fighting.
The UN Chief stressed the need for all Libyan parties to respect their obligations to protect civilians and urged them to engage in a serious and good-faith dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict. He reaffirmed the UN’s readiness to facilitate such a dialogue and support any steps that lead toward a durable political solution and lasting peace.
The ceasefire, declared Wednesday by Libya’s Ministry of Defense and endorsed by the Presidential Council, follows days of violent confrontations triggered by the killing of Abdelghani Al-Kikli, known as “Ghneiwa,” head of the now-disbanded Stability Support Apparatus.
His death in a complex security operation inside the Takbali military camp sparked intense clashes between his forces and Brigade 444.
Fighting quickly spread and intensified, with further armed confrontations erupting between Brigade 444 and the Special Deterrence Force after Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba issued a decree dissolving the latter. The escalation resulted in several casualties and property damage before a tentative ceasefire took effect.
The Ministry of Defense confirmed that neutral military units had been deployed to enforce the truce and secure key areas of the capital.
Guterres underscored the urgency of building on this truce through concrete political steps, warning that any return to violence could deepen Libya’s institutional divisions and prolong civilian suffering.
