Preventing further escalation

Although fighting has currently ebbed to some extent, the situation in Libya is getting worse. The parties to the conflict are rushing to build up their arsenals. This creates a danger of renewed escalation that could break up Libya and spread to the region. Germany is working to help ensure that, especially now during the period of relative calm, work continues on the ground towards achieving a ceasefire, instead of parties using the opportunity to rearm. For this to happen, the parties to the conflict’s regional supporters too, must end their military support. The UN arms embargo that is currently in force should be consistently implemented and applied. Today’s meeting will therefore focus on how demilitarisation can be achieved in the country.

Achieving a ceasefire

Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began, representatives of both parties to the conflict agreed on a ceasefire proposal during UN-led talks of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission. This document has, however, so far not been signed by the respective parties. Now, both sides must be convinced to return to and conclude their direct talks, so that a permanent and lasting ceasefire can be achieved.

Engaging important actors

Six months after the Berlin Conference on Libya, the UN Security Council will meet today under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Maas for its regularly scheduled meeting on the situation in the country. In addition to the members of the Security Council, the meeting will include the conference’s other participants and other actors from the region. UN Secretary-General Guterres will brief participants on the situation in Libya and on the work of UNSMIL, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. The efforts of the UN are essential for returning to an intra-Libyan political process.