UN urges tranquility amid renewed conflict in Tripoli, Libya.

The situation in Libya remains tense as fighting has resumed in the capital, Tripoli, just one day after authorities proclaimed that order had been restored. The United Nations Mission to Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed grave concerns over escalating violence, warning that the conflict could “spiral out of control.”

In a statement released via X, UNSMIL emphasized the necessity for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire across all regions, which would facilitate safe corridors for civilians trapped in conflict zones. The mission underscored that attacking civilian infrastructure and endangering civilian lives could constitute violations of international law, and assured that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.

Recent clashes have erupted between the Rada militia and the 444 Brigade, which supports Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah. These conflicts have significantly impacted key areas of Tripoli, including the city’s port. According to sources, the violence has been characterized as “urban warfare,” with intermittent fighting occurring in residential neighborhoods and the use of various weapons.

Despite an initial escalation, the City of Tripoli experienced a period of calm later on Wednesday following a government-announced truce. Residents reported that local forces, in coordination with security authorities, have implemented measures to maintain peace, including the deployment of neutral units.

The recent surge in violence began on Monday night following the reported killing of Abdelghani al-Kikli, leader of the Support and Stability Apparatus (SSA), which had maintained control over the southern district of Abu Salim. Local authorities reported at least six fatalities resulting from the fighting. Although the following morning brought peace, hostilities intensified overnight, marking a renewed period of significant combat within the capital.

For many residents, this prolonged uncertainty has been a source of great distress. A father from the Dahra area recounted the emotional toll, noting how he gathered his family into one room to safeguard them from random shelling.

Prime Minister al-Dbeibah has responded to the violence by ordering the dissolution of irregular armed groups, including the Rada militia. In the wake of the SSA’s territorial losses, the Rada has emerged as the last substantial faction not aligned with the prime minister.

Since the NATO-supported uprising in 2011 that resulted in the ousting of long-standing leader Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has faced challenges in establishing stability. By 2014, the nation had become divided between a UN-recognized government in Tripoli and a rival administration led by Khalifa Haftar in the east, complicating efforts to restore peace and unity in the country.

As the international community looks on, the hope remains that diplomatic solutions can usher in an era of stability in Libya, ensuring a brighter future for its citizens.

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