Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez Al-Sarraj, welcomed commitments by political leaders in eastern Libya to end the conflict, and resume oil production.
Addressing the UN, Al-Sarraj stressed the need to accelerate political dialogue inclusive of all parties.
The PM also highlighted the positive interaction of his government with the international peace initiatives. He emphasized the outcomes of the Berlin Conference, and noted that there is no solution through the use of force.
Al-Sarraj asked the United Nations for support in organising the upcoming elections next year. He pointed that Libyans have waited a long time for these elections, which will hopefully end the legitimacy crisis. He also called for political dialogue with all factions and regions of Libya.
On 18 September, the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, announced it had reached an agreement to resume oil production with the GNA. This deal was brokered by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeq, who represents the city of Misrata. This has left the situation unclear, leaving questions whether further endorsements were required from other GNA parties. The duration of the agreement was also not immediately apparent.
Libya descended into chaos when a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 toppled longtime ruler, Muammar Gaddafi. The instability has led the country to becoming a major transit point for illegal migrants to Europe.
Libya’s handling of the migrant crisis has been criticized by human rights groups. They say refugees there have been raped, forcibly deported, tortured, and even killed in custody. PM Al-Sarraj defended his government’s treatment of migrants, saying, “Libya is a victim of migration, and not its reason.”
On 22 August, both parties in the country declared a ceasefire, and agreed to hold elections in March 2021. Al-Sarraj announced that he would be stepping down at the end of October, to allow for the formation of a new government.