The United Nations has expressed serious concern over the recent mobilization of armed groups in Tripoli, Libya, amid a deepening crisis surrounding the control of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL). The UN Libya mission, in a statement released Thursday, condemned the escalating military presence and threats of force in densely populated areas, warning that such actions jeopardize civilian lives and stability.
Armed Factions Mobilize Over Central Bank Control
The latest tensions in Libya stem from attempts by political factions to replace the current head of the Central Bank, Sadiq al-Kabir. Rival armed groups have mobilized on either side of the dispute, raising fears of renewed violence in a country already marred by years of conflict. Mohammed al-Shokri, the man proposed as a replacement for al-Kabir, stated he would only accept the role if both of Libya’s rival legislative bodies endorse his appointment.
Libya has been in turmoil since a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 toppled its longtime leader. The nation, rich in oil reserves, split in 2014 into warring eastern and western factions, each backed by different foreign powers. Despite a ceasefire agreement in 2020 that paused major fighting, political and military tensions remain high, with factions periodically clashing over control of the country’s significant economic resources.
The eastern part of Libya is dominated by the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Commander Khalifa Haftar, while Tripoli and the northwest are controlled by the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) and a patchwork of rival armed factions. This division has created a fragile balance, which recent events threaten to disrupt.
Rising Tensions and Political Stalemate
The UN’s warning comes after a series of mobilizations by armed factions in the past two months. In late July and early August, rival groups in northwest Libya took up positions against each other, while the LNA moved forces into southwest Libya, increasing fears of a potential east-west conflict. The eastern-based House of Representatives has also renewed its push to unseat the GNU and the Presidency Council, further exacerbating the crisis.
Adding to the tensions, a stalemate in the High State Council, another key legislative body, emerged following a disputed leadership vote. The situation has been further inflamed by a recent decision by Mohammed al-Menfi, head of the Presidency Council, to replace Sadiq al-Kabir and his board at the Central Bank. This move was promptly rejected by the parliament, deepening the rift between Libya’s rival governments.
The UN’s deputy head of mission in Libya, Stephanie Koury, highlighted the rapid deterioration of Libya’s political and military situation during a briefing to the UN Security Council. She emphasized that the display of military power and armed confrontations in densely populated neighborhoods is unacceptable and poses a severe threat to civilians.
Calls for Calm and a Path Forward
As Libya’s political landscape remains divided, efforts to move towards national elections have stalled. The country’s leadership is currently drawn from bodies elected over a decade ago or installed through various international peace initiatives that have so far failed to bring about a lasting transition to stable governance. The prospect of new elections, which many believe could help reset the political scene, has been delayed repeatedly.
In light of the recent mobilizations and the fragile ceasefire, the UN and other international bodies are calling for calm and urging Libyan leaders to focus on dialogue and negotiation to resolve their disputes peacefully. The UN mission in Libya has called on all parties to avoid actions that could further escalate the situation and has stressed the importance of protecting civilian lives and maintaining stability.
The path forward for Libya remains uncertain as the nation grapples with internal divisions and the legacy of years of conflict. While the ceasefire has managed to keep major fighting at bay, the ongoing political and economic disputes continue to threaten the fragile peace. The international community’s role in facilitating dialogue and supporting a return to negotiations is seen as crucial to preventing a return to widespread violence and ensuring a stable future for Libya.
Source: Reuters
