Libyan National Army: We are committed to a ceasefire

CAIRO - 7 December 2020: The Libyan National Army General Command affirmed its full commitment to the ceasefire agreement reached within the framework of the 5 + 5 committee in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

This came in a statement issued by the General Command of the Libyan Armed Forces regarding developments in the field situation in areas of conflict with armed militias.

The General Command of the Libyan Armed Forces has expressed its concern about the increase in militia mobilization in both Tripoli and Misrata, affiliated with the Government of National Accord(GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj, as well as the transfer of militias and military weapons towards conflict areas in West Sirte and Jufrah.

The General Command issued instructions and orders for all Libyan forces' units to commit to a high degree of caution to avoid escalating the military situation.

The UN Secretary-General in Libya, Stephanie Williams announced last October that the Libyan parties signed a permanent ceasefire agreement in Geneva across the country.

Williams explained that the agreement includes the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libyan territory within a maximum period of three months, adding that the agreement is a step towards a comprehensive settlement and the return of the displaced to their homes.

Civil war broke out in Libya after the toppling of long-time ruler Muammer Gaddafi in 2011, who was later killed. Numerous militias are fighting for power and influence in the country, with Tripoli-allied militias backed by Turkey, Qatar and Italy. Meanwhile, eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, France and Russia.