Agreement reached between Libya government and militia force
An unlikely agreement has been reached between the UN-backed, Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Special Deterrence Forces known as Rada, according to Asharq al-Awsat on September 14th.
Libya’s Presidential Council revealed that a “sudden” agreement had been reached, which calls for the installation of new “security arrangements in Tripoli”, cooling the simmering tensions in Tripoli caused by political instability and militia violence.
The Presidential Council, led by Mohamed al-Menfi, has not officially confirmed the agreement, but a source from the body reported that the council had sponsored it, and the implementation process has begun.
As a result, Special Deterrence Forces have withdrawn from their key strategic stronghold at Mitiga airport, and military forces have withdrawn from the capital.
This crucial agreement may help to somewhat ease the extensive political pressure on the GNU Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah after 40 MPs called for his resignation on September 1st.
His leadership has come under scrutiny regarding prolonged corruption, inciting division and failing to sufficiently introduce electoral reforms, which helped to empower the militia opposition and risked plunging Tripoli into another conflict.
The source revealed that Turkish mediation was critical to the agreement being reached, emphasising the strong relations Turkey has with numerous factions within Libya, which has caused anxiety among surrounding countries.
Ziyad Daghim, aid in the Presidential Council, thanked Turkey in his televised remarks for providing the “necessary guarantees” for the deal’s implementation.
Other elements of the deal include the appointment of a new judicial police chief, the handover of wanted individuals to the public prosecution and demands to dissolve the illegal migration agency.
Parties relieved with the agreement include the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), who have recently began implementing a new political roadmap to unify Libyan institutions and restore democracy. Rooting out militia violence and factionalised opposition is a key step on Libya’s road to safety and harmony.
Asharq al-Awsat, Maghrebi.org
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