UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, told Security Council on Tuesday that she was deeply concerned the ongoing stalemate and continued delays in implementing the electoral process in Libya pose a growing threat to security in and around Tripoli, and potentially to all Libyans.
“That threat materialized a few days ago, when Tripoli was again the theatre of violent clashes between armed groups supporting Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and Fathi Bashaga, respectively,” DiCarlo said in remarks to Security Council.
“A fragile calm has since prevailed in Tripoli; it is unclear how long it will last,” she pointed out.
“Retaliatory attacks by both sides and the announced intention by the Government of National Unity to arrest pro-Bashagha elements involved in the fighting may trigger armed clashes that could again affect the civilian population,” DiCarlo explained.
There were a few positive developments during the reporting period. I commend, notably, the ongoing efforts of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission to preserve and strengthen the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement, she said.
on 27 August the eastern delegation to the JMC called their counterparts in the west to reassure them that the Libyan National Army would not be involved in the fighting, DiCarlo noted out.
Earlier, on 9 August, the Joint Military Commission met with UNSMIL in Sirte to enhance the readiness of the Libyan Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism, DiCarlo added.
They made progress on the activation of a Joint Operations Room in Sirte. They also finalized the modalities for the withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, according to DiCarlo.