Tripoli, Libya – Alarms have been raised by international bodies over recent mobilisation of forces in Libya. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya emphasized the need for restraint to avoid offensive military actions. The European Union Delegation to Libya echoed these concerns, warning that the use of force could lead to instability and human suffering.
After four years of relative calm, fears of civil war resurfaced last week when militias linked to one of Libya’s rival administrations began mobilizing. The country has been divided since 2014, with competing governments in the east and west.
Forces under Khalifa Haftar, supported by his son Saddam, were seen advancing towards Tripoli. Haftar’s motives, such as controlling strategic locations, have raised suspicions among military analysts.
While tensions seem to have eased this week, the risk of conflict remains high. Foreign interference from countries like Turkey, Egypt, Russia, and the UAE has complicated the situation, with calls for international backers to withdraw.
Experts warn that the current status quo in Libya is unsustainable, and efforts to unite the country have been fruitless. The international community must address the escalating risks in Libya before it spirals out of control.