The United States is “alarmed” by the latest wave of violence between militias in western Libya, and urges steps toward military reunification, said Robert Wood, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs.
Violent and sudden armed clashes erupted last Friday evening between armed groups affiliated with the Government of National Unity, headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah in the city of Gharyan, located southwest of Tripoli, which led to panic within the city. No civilian casualties were reported.
Speaking to the UN Security Council in New York today, Wood pointed out that militias in Libya “operate with impunity and have persistent influence over Libyan security and politics.”
“We remain concerned by the number of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by these groups, which include death, injury, or displacement of hundreds of civilians; as well as allegations of unlawful detentions to suppress perceived civil dissent and attacks against civil society,” he said.
“We support Libyan leaders as they intensify their efforts, in coordination with the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, to implement the October 2020 ceasefire agreement and its call for the departure of foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries from Libya, and to advance efforts toward possible disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration,” Wood added.
The US diplomat affirmed his country’s support for the UN’s initiative hold a national dialogue. He called on Libyan political leaders “to name their representatives to attend UN-facilitated preparatory talks aimed at addressing the core issues still standing in the way of elections.”