The United Nations is preparing Libyan talks in Tunisia, paving the way for lasting peace
The UN opened peace talks between Libya’s warring factions on Monday. The conference was held in neighbouring Tunisia in order to set the stage for fair and peaceful elections. The UN has been trying for months to reach a cease-fire deal between the two opposing forces, one led by warlord General Khalifa Haftar and the other by Fayez al-Sarraj, Libya’s prime minister.
Finally, in October, the United Nations succeeded in agreeing to a cease-fire agreement between the rival powers, which further allowed the country to restart its oil production and take the necessary measures to move away from a decade of political impasse.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Libyan delegates in a video message, “You have gathered today to begin forging Libya’s new era of peace and stability.” You have the chance to end a horrific war and build a dignified and optimistic future
“Now it is your turn to shape your country’s future. Your contribution to this process will help restore the sovereignty of Libya and the democratic legitimacy of the institutions of Libya. Your commitment will be checked when you engage in conversation to overcome your differences, ”he said.
Years of conflict and civil war, which began with the fall of long-time Libyan autocrat Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, have victimised the North African region. The situation has deteriorated after the siege of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, which began in April last year, with the creation of a war-like scenario between rival parties.
Stephanie Williams, the head of the UN mission in Libya, said that the purpose of the meeting was to make way for a peaceful government to lead the country.The conference, attended by 75 delegates from Libya, centred on the formation of an executive body “capable of organising elections and introducing political , economic and military reforms required to restore some normality to the lives of Libyans.” “The overarching goal of the National Political Programme is to renew political credibility within an agreed timeline by holding national elections,” she said.
She added, “Cooperation is growing every day, and the transformation of the 5+5 into the ’10 party’ is more than just a slogan; it’s a reality…” National unity, combating corruption and restoring public services will be initiated by the new administration. Its progress will be monitored; its work will be periodically reviewed by mechanisms that will be able to keep it accountable.
