UN calls on Libyan factions to adhere to ceasefire

By Zeynep Tufekci and Abdullah

TRIPOLI, Libya

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) called on rival armed factions to adhere to a ceasefire agreement, condemning the renewal of fighting in the capital.

“UNSMIL condemns the renewal of fighting in #Tripoli & calls on all parties 2 adhere 2 the ceasefire agreement. UNSMIL stresses that it won’t B possible 2 proceed w/ reform process while violence continues & Tripoli residents, who come from all over #Libya, R paying a heavy price,” it said Tuesday on its Twitter account.

The mission announced on Sept. 4 that a ceasefire had been reached to end heavy fighting in Tripoli after the death toll had risen sharply.

The parties agreed to cease all hostilities, halt any further hostile movement that would hamper implementation of the ceasefire, ensure civilians are not put at risk and human rights are respected as stipulated by national and international laws and protect all private and public properties.

Libya has remained dogged by turmoil since the ouster and death of former strongman Muammar Gaddafi more than seven years ago, with the country’s stark political divisions yielding two rival seats of power -- one in Tobruk and another in Tripoli -- and a host of heavily armed militia groups.

The UN has struggled in recent years to help resolve Libya’s internal conflict, recently unveiling a political “roadmap” for the country’s future.