Latest news with #UNSupportMissioninLibya
Libya Observer
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UNSMIL holds several meetings in Misrata
The Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Hanna Tetteh, held several meetings with officials from Misrata during a visit to the city on Thursday. According to a statement from the UN mission, the visit is part of a series of community meetings that will be held across the country as part of broad consultations on the executive summary of the Advisory Committee's report. During a meeting with the Misrata Municipal Council, members of the House of Representatives, the High Council of State, civil society representatives, youth groups, and the Commander of the Central Military Zone, Mohammed Musa, Tetteh discussed the options proposed by the Advisory Committee. Participants exchanged views on the committee's recommendations, stressing the importance of learning from past experiences, including safeguards to ensure the implementation of any political agreement, and calling for support from the UN Security Council. Attendees also expressed their deep frustration and concern over the current situation in the country, citing the recent clashes in Tripoli, the continued division of state institutions, widespread corruption, the proliferation of weapons, the indefinite postponement of national elections, and the lack of progress toward lasting stability. In a separate meeting, Tetteh discussed with a group of youth the challenges they face in participating in decision-making at both local and national levels, including in political affairs. She reaffirmed the UN mission's commitment to consulting with Libyans on a roadmap that leads to national elections and the formation of a unified government. Tetteh also praised the positive role played by the elders and dignitaries of Misrata in de-escalating tensions during the recent events in Tripoli and reiterated the mission's support for efforts to reinforce the ceasefire.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Turkey Evacuates 82 Citizens from Libya Amid Clashes
ISTANBUL: Turkey evacuated 82 of its nationals from the Libyan capital Tripoli after several days of fatal clashes between armed groups, foreign ministry sources said late Friday. 'Eighty-two citizens who wanted to return to Turkey were assisted in their departure from Libya and allowed to return home,' the source said, referring to 'the conflict and insecurity' that has gripped the North African nation in recent days. The move came a day after the Turkish embassy said in a post on Facebook that it was preparing to evacuate its nationals via a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul from the Libyan port city of Misrata, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) east of Tripoli. It said it would organise bus transport from the capital. The ministry did not give details about those who returned home and didn't say whether more flights were planned. Violence flared in the Libyan capital late on Monday between loyalist forces and powerful armed groups that the government is trying to dismantle. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Friday said 'at least eight civilians' were killed in heavy clashes, which took place over the following days, bringing air traffic to an almost total standstill. Although relative calm returned to Tripoli earlier on Friday, the situation remained highly volatile. Turkey, which backs the UN-recognised government in Tripoli led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, called on Wednesday for a truce and said it was 'closely monitoring' the situation. Libya has struggled to recover from years of unrest since the NATO-backed 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi, with the country split between Dbeibah's government in the west and a rival authority backed by strongman Khalifa Haftar in the east
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Turkey evacuates 82 nationals from Libya after unrest
ISTANBUL: Turkey evacuated 82 of its nationals from the Libyan capital Tripoli after several days of fatal clashes between armed groups, foreign ministry sources said late Friday. 'Eighty-two citizens who wanted to return to Turkey were assisted in their departure from Libya and allowed to return home,' the source said, referring to 'the conflict and insecurity' that has gripped the North African nation in recent days. The move came a day after the Turkish embassy said in a post on Facebook that it was preparing to evacuate its nationals via a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul from the Libyan port city of Misrata, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) east of Tripoli. It said it would organise bus transport from the capital. The ministry did not give details about those who returned home and didn't say whether more flights were planned. Violence flared in the Libyan capital late on Monday between loyalist forces and powerful armed groups that the government is trying to dismantle. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Friday said 'at least eight civilians' were killed in heavy clashes, which took place over the following days, bringing air traffic to an almost total standstill. Although relative calm returned to Tripoli earlier on Friday, the situation remained highly volatile. Turkey, which backs the UN-recognised government in Tripoli led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, called on Wednesday for a truce and said it was 'closely monitoring' the situation. Libya has struggled to recover from years of unrest since the NATO-backed 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi, with the country split between Dbeibah's government in the west and a rival authority backed by strongman Khalifa Haftar in the east
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Turkey evacuates 82 nationals from Libya after unrest
ISTANBUL: Turkey evacuated 82 of its nationals from the Libyan capital Tripoli after several days of fatal clashes between armed groups, foreign ministry sources said late Friday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Eighty-two citizens who wanted to return to Turkey were assisted in their departure from Libya and allowed to return home," the source said, referring to "the conflict and insecurity" that has gripped the North African nation in recent days. The move came a day after the Turkish embassy said in a post on Facebook that it was preparing to evacuate its nationals via a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul from the Libyan port city of Misrata, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) east of Tripoli. It said it would organise bus transport from the capital. The ministry did not give details about those who returned home and didn't say whether more flights were planned. Violence flared in the Libyan capital late on Monday between loyalist forces and powerful armed groups that the government is trying to dismantle. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Friday said "at least eight civilians" were killed in heavy clashes, which took place over the following days, bringing air traffic to an almost total standstill. Although relative calm returned to Tripoli earlier on Friday, the situation remained highly volatile. Turkey, which backs the UN-recognised government in Tripoli led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, called on Wednesday for a truce and said it was "closely monitoring" the situation. Libya has struggled to recover from years of unrest since the NATO-backed 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi, with the country split between Dbeibah's government in the west and a rival authority backed by strongman in the east.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Libya's Fragile Peace Tested Again As New Clashes Roil Tripoli
15 May 2025 Clashes broke out earlier in the week across several districts of the Libyan capital, reportedly triggered by the killing of a prominent militia leader. The fighting, which involved heavy weaponry in densely populated areas, forced hundreds of families to flee and placed severe strain on local hospitals. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all parties to take urgent steps to consolidate the ceasefire announced on Wednesday. 'The rapid nature of the escalation, which drew armed groups from outside the city and subjected heavily populated neighbourhoods to heavy artillery fire, was alarming,' his spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday. ' The Secretary-General reminds all parties of their obligation to protect civilians and calls on them to engage in serious dialogue in good faith to address the root causes of the conflict.' Alarms raised The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) issued successive warnings throughout the week, calling the situation 'deeply alarming' and urging an 'immediate, unconditional ceasefire.' 'Attacking and damaging civilian infrastructure, physically harming civilians, and jeopardizing the lives and safety of the population may constitute crimes under international law,' the mission said on Wednesday, praising mediation efforts by elders and civil society leaders. Years of fragmentation Nearly 15 years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi and the emergence of rival administrations in 2014, the country remains divided, with the internationally recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) based in Tripoli in the northwest and the Government of National Stability (GNS) in Benghazi in the east. Competition over Libya's vast oil wealth further complicates the situation. Though the country produces more than a million barrels a day, the living conditions of ordinary Libyans have seen little improvement. Accountability for atrocities In New York on Thursday the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that its investigation into alleged war crimes in Libya has entered a new phase, following increased cooperation by authorities there. Briefing the UN Security Council from The Hague, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan described ' an unprecedented six months of dynamism,' citing the January arrest of Osama Elmasry Najim, a commander in the now-dissolved Special Deterrence Force (RADA), and his controversial return to Libya. Mr. Khan briefed Ambassadors via videolink after the United States imposed punitive sanctions on the court including senior personnel, which threaten the prosecutor and others with arrest if they travel to the US. The US made the order in response to the ICC issuing arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister and former defence minister, last November. Mr. Najim was arrested by Italian authorities based on an ICC warrant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to abuses at Metiga Prison. However, his return was a matter of deep concern, said Mr. Khan. New 'rule of law' promises accountability ' There was real dismay and disappointment among victims that Mr. Njeem was returned to the scene of the alleged crimes,' Mr. Khan said. Despite that setback, he said that the arrest warrant had sent 'shockwaves' through Libyan militias and alleged perpetrators in Libya, signalling a growing awareness that 'the rule of law has entered the territory of Libya.' He confirmed that more arrest warrants are being pursued, and that the ICC has responded to a request for assistance from the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom as part of its own investigation into Mr. Njeem. ' There is a black box of suffering in Libya,' he told ambassadors. 'We will manage to break it open.' Libya grants ICC jurisdiction In another major development, Libya formally submitted a declaration to the ICC under Article 12(3) of the Rome Statute, granting the court jurisdiction over crimes committed on Libyan soil from 2011 to 2027. Mr. Khan described this as a 'new chapter' in accountability efforts and confirmed that the investigation phase is expected to conclude by early 2026. About the ICC The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an independent judicial body established under the Rome Statute, adopted in 1998 and in force since 2002. Although not part of the United Nations, the ICC works closely with it under a cooperative framework. The situation in Libya was first referred to the ICC by the UN Security Council in 2011 through resolution 1970.
