UN chief calls for ceasefire to avert ‘bloody battle’ for Libyan capital
tripoli — The UN chief warned Libya is on the brink of “a very dangerous situation” as forces loyal to the internationally recognised government and a rival commander battle for control of the capital.
Thousands of people have fled heavy fighting on the outskirts of Tripoli that has left dozens dead and prompted mounting global alarm.
UN chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday appealed for a halt to hostilities to prevent the situation spiralling out of control.
“It’s still time to stop,” he told reporters after briefing the UN Security Council in a closed session in New York. “It’s still time for a ceasefire to take place, for a cessation of hostilities to take place, and to avoid the worst, which would be a dramatic, bloody battle for Tripoli.”
Nearly a week of fighting on the city’s doorstep has already killed 56 people and wounded 266, the World Health Organisation said.
“Thousands of people have fled their homes, while others are trapped in conflict areas. Hospitals inside and outside (Tripoli) are receiving daily casualties,” it said.
The UN chief was in Libya when
forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar last week launched an offensive to capture the capital, which is controlled by a UN-backed government and an array of militias.
Haftar backs a rival administration based in eastern Libya that refuses to recognise the authority of the Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez Al Sarraj.
The Security Council met for more than two hours behind closed doors to consider how to address the fresh fighting that has derailed efforts to end instability that has been exploited by militants and people-smugglers.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said the situation in Libya was “increasingly worrying”.
She called for the “full implementation of the humanitarian truce” and the “return to the political negotiations and the political track”.
The United Nations postponed a national conference that was to open on Sunday to draw up a roadmap to elections, meant to turn the page on years of turmoil since the Nato-backed overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.