Clashes in Tripoli during Eid condemned by international groups
International organisations, including the European Union and the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), have condemned the fact that clashes have continued in Tripoli despite a ceasefire being agreed for the Eid holiday.
Reporting on June 10th, the Libyan based but English owned outlet Libya Herald, reported that clashes have continued across Tripoli, with civilian infrastructure being targeted during Eid.
The attacks came just days after the United Nations praised the efforts of the Libyan government to address a number of violent clashes across the capital.
On June 8th, the mission praised the committees as “composed of key parties” being aimed at”strengthening security arrangements to prevent the outbreak of fighting and ensure the protection of civilians”.
However, along with the EU, UNSMIL is now being forced to condemn violence being perpetrated across Tripoli.
In a statement, UNSMIL said that: “When conflict occurs in urban areas, the propensity for civil casualties is very high. Law enforcement should have as its main objective not just preventing crime, but importantly the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure as much as possible so that people can go about their daily lives in peace.”
The statement continued to add that: “The Mission is closely monitoring violations and reminds all to avoid provocative acts and escalation and to resort to dialogue through the truce mechanism. UNSMIL is actively engaging with key stakeholders to address the emerging challenges to ensure the sustainability of the truce and urges all parties to commit to it.”
Violence has been widespread across Tripoli since armed clashes erupted in the streets after reports of the death of Abdulghani Kikli, an armed group leader ignited tensions on May 13th.
Hopes of a resolution were quickly quashed as it became clear that any chance that a new government and president could be elected and peace attained, either with a UN mandate or without, rapidly faded.
Since then, the capital has suffered nearly a month of violence.
Libya Herald/ The New Arab/ Maghrebi
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