The spokesperson for the Libyan National Army (LNA), Major General Ahmed Al-Mismari, welcomed any peaceful protests in the country. He accused the Government of National Accord (GNA) of using “militias” to confront and suppress the recent demonstrations in Tripoli.
“We are following what is happening in Tripoli, and we definitely welcome any peaceful popular movement,” Al-Mismari told Sputnik news agency. He added that “we also welcome a space of freedom for every Libyan citizen to express any observations in their mind.”
“What concerns us most is the repression that came out after slogans were raised in Tripoli against the GNA. We found the same militias that claim a peaceful approach, are the ones attacking the demonstrators,” Al-Mismari added.
On Sunday, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) expressed its concern over the ongoing developments in the city of Al-Asaba, and neighbouring localities. This follows the GNA retaking control of the city. UNSMIL called for an immediate de-escalation and for all those involved to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including allowing freedom of movement and immediate access to health facilities.
Last Friday, the Presidential Council of the GNA announced an immediate ceasefire and the suspension of all military operations in the country. In a statement, it called for presidential and parliamentary elections next March and stressed that Sirte and Al-Jufrah need to be demilitarised for the ceasefire to be put in place permanently.
The Libyan Parliament, headed by Ageela Saleh, confirmed in a statement that his institution seeks to turn over the page of conflict and fighting. He also stressed that militias must be dismantled to restore full national sovereignty.
Libya is witnessing a sharp division in state institutions, between the east, which is run by the Parliament, and the western part of the country that is run by the GNA.