The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) issued an urgent call for de-escalation on Wednesday, citing alarming reports of escalating military movements within and around the capital, Tripoli.
In an official statement, UNSMIL condemned the intensified armed deployments, noting that they have occurred despite recent partial truces. The Mission explicitly urged all newly positioned armed groups in Tripoli to withdraw immediately, reiterating that any use of force in densely populated urban areas would constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
Tripoli remains a city under persistent tension, marked by the ongoing struggle for control between forces loyal to Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and powerful autonomous militias, including Rada and the Stability Support Apparatus, the latter having been forcibly dismantled in May. This volatile situation is further exacerbated by the absence of a unified command structure, deeply entrenched local rivalries, and the prolonged stagnation of the electoral process, all contributing to widespread instability.
In an effort to break this impasse, UNSMIL is attempting to reactivate the “joint security committees,” though their effectiveness has remained marginal to date. The United Nations is strongly appealing to all Libyan actors to prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolutions, particularly as foreign powers, notably Turkey and and Russia, continue to subtly reinforce their influence on the ground.
MK/te/fss/abj/APA