UN extends arms embargo ship inspections in Libya
Troops loyal to Libya's internationally recognized government patrol the area in Zamzam, near Abu Qareen, Libya September 15, 2020. REUTERS/Ayman Al-Sahili BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE
Africanews via Associated Press reported on 27th November that the United Nations Security Council has voted to extend UN authorised states’ ability to inspect ships which potentially violate the arms embargo on Libya.
13 votes approved of the decision while Russia and China abstained. The decision was ultimately agreed upon on the 25th November. As a result, UN member states are able to act nationally or through regional organisations to inspect vessels located on the high seas of Libya’s coast that are suspected to be holding weapons.
The UK’s representative was highly supportive of the vote. They said that “the adoption of this resolution sends a clear message: the international community remains committed to limiting the flow of weapons that fuel conflict and instability in Libya.” Furthermore, the French representative sung similar praises to the resolution, describing the arms embargo as a salient part of preventing militia clashes between Libya’s rival governments.
On the other hand, many states including Algeria and China were critical of the operation, fearing for aspects such as transparency and effectiveness. China’s representative was said to have urged greater consideration of the views of Libya in order to “make timely adjustments and improvements as necessary”.
The wider international focus on weapon smuggling and arms embargos must be considered in the context of the country’s political fragility. Despite both governmental institutions in Libya making efforts towards unification and peace recently, there is entrenched corruption across the country. Reports emerged claiming that military forces serving under Khalifa Haftar, east Libya’s de facto leader, are providing fuel and weapons for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.
Overall, the UN’s extension of authority for these vessel inspections was done with the intention of facilitating peace and stability in Libya. There are plenty of concerns over how the inspections will be implemented by various parties, compelling China’s representative to urge the Council to “make timely adjustments and improvements as necessary.”
Africanews via Associated Press, Maghrebi.org
Want to chase the pulse of North Africa?
Subscribe to receive our FREE weekly PDF magazine
