Fighting in several localities has resumed which led to a number of deaths, injuries and displacement in Libya.
Reports say deadly clashes have erupted in Libyan localities particularly in in Kufra and in the Zintan-Shaqiqa area.
With the renewed fighting in the region, the top United Nations envoy in Libya today voiced his concern at renewed fighting and called on the authorities to address the causes of the conflicts and protect civilians.
“It is of the utmost importance that the Government acts swiftly to de-escalate these conflicts and to ensure the protection and well-being of civilians.” – Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Ian Martin
Mr. Martin said the wounded need to be able to urgently access medical care, and basic humanitarian support and services must be restored to the people affected by the fighting in accordance with international humanitarian law.
In addition, Mr. Martin welcomed the steps taken so far by the Government and urged the Libyan authorities and all sides to end the fighting.
He also reminded all concerned of their obligation to ensure the protection of civilians and avoid the targeting of civilian areas.
He added sustained efforts are needed to address the causes and consequences of local conflicts.
Mr. Martin told the Security Council in May that armed clashes in recent months between various groups have tested the reach and authority of the Government’s security apparatus and ability to impose the rule of law.
On February this year, the citizens of Libya marked its first anniversary of the country’s uprising against Muammar Gaddafi with spontaneous celebrations nationwide.
Citizens in all ages went out on the streets of Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata and other towns to begin the celebrations by setting off firecrackers and chanting slogans.
The celebrations were led by residents of Benghazi, the city which first rose against Gaddafi and his 42-year-old regime.
Libya has been engulfed by fighting since a pro-democracy movement opposed to the regime of Muammar al-Qadhafi emerged in February 2011 following similar protests in Tunisia, Egypt and other countries across North Africa and the Middle East.
Hundreds of people have been killed in the fighting and hundreds of thousands of others have been internally displaced or forced to flee to neighbouring countries.
Muammar Gaddafi was killed at his home town of Sirte on October 2011 when he was overrun by fighters seeking to complete the eight-month uprising.
Gaddafi’s demise marks the end of a 42 year rule of a dysfunctional brutal regime that was ruled by fear, torture and executions. Its mismanagement of the economy brought ruin to Libya and impoverished the Libyan people despite the huge oil and gas wealth.
