What’s next for Libya?
The warring factions in the country are due to resume talks this week in hopes of a ceasefire
Talks are due to resume on Tuesday between the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya and the competing forces of General Khalifa Haftar, with the goal of achieving a permanent ceasefire in the west of the country, where fighting has escalated in recent weeks.
A precarious ceasefire provisionally agreed in Moscow on 13 January has so far been flouted repeatedly by both sides, with the international backers of the factions also violating a UN Security Council arms embargo in place to curtail military support to the warring parties.
The talks, to be hosted by the UN, will aim to impose restraint in a conflict which has spiralled in complexity over the past few years as more foreign players, including Turkey, Russia and the UAE, have moved to influence it.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What has been happening in Libya?
While a weak, UN-backed administration holds the Libyan capital of Tripoli, the city is under siege by Haftar’s forces, which currently have control of most of the rest of the country. Haftar’s Libyan National Army, which launched its offensive to capture Tripoli in April 2019, has the backing of the UAE, as well as Russian mercenaries from the Wagner private security group, said the FT.
The Tripoli-based administration, however, has the backing of Turkey, which recently sent thousands of soldiers into the country, and Qatar, said The New York Times.
In January, the international backers of the two sides agreed to a ceasefire and, at a conference in Berlin, made a move to end international involvement in the war, which has been raging since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. However, the hope sparked by last month’s meetings was shortlived; on Sunday, the UN’s deputy special envoy for Libya, Stephanie Williams, described the current truce between the two sides as a “joke”.
Williams said there had already been 150 violations of the arms embargo, and that the difficulty of monitoring them all over land, sea and air had meant that “accountability” was dwindling, according to The Guardian.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
What lies ahead for Libya?
While a previous round of talks ended without an agreement between the two sides, talks commencing this week will focus on how to de-escalate the conflict and work towards a permanent ceasefire. The UN is working on a resolution to impose sanctions on countries that break the arms embargo, and halting the “influx of foreign arms” into the country remains a central goal of negotiations, said The Washington Post.
However, with the UN struggling to stem violence on the ground between the GNA’s army and Haftar’s forces, as well as limit the influence of outside forces, prospects of a peaceful resolution to the conflict seem remote. Turkey’s recent support in Tripoli, including sending armoured vehicles, anti-aircraft kit and 2,000 Syrian mercenaries coordinated by the Turks, has for now “put paid” to Haftar’s designs on the city, said The Times. However, “unless western powers can hold the sponsors of this conflict to their promises to disengage, there will be more fighting”.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How safe are cruise ships in storms?
The Explainer The vessels are always prepared
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
What message is Trump sending with his Cabinet picks?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION By nominating high-profile loyalists like Matt Gaetz and RFK Jr., is Trump serious about creating a functioning Cabinet, or does he have a different plan in mind?
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Wyoming judge strikes down abortion, pill bans
Speed Read The judge said the laws — one of which was a first-in-the-nation prohibition on the use of medication to end pregnancy — violated the state's constitution
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published