Libya’s armed groups must be involved in peace talks

Libya’s armed groups must be involved in peace talks in ending political division and conflict, the International Crisis Group said in a report today.

“Little progress will be made without involving the most important armed actors in dialogue,” ICG said in a report. “The reset of the mired peace process is imperative.”

The Brussels-based think-tank released a report last year detailing how the UN-backed deal to resolve the country’s divisions had “reconfigured, more than contributed, to resolving internal strife”.

The UN-backed agreement was signed in Morocco last year where the Government of National Accord (GNA) would hold power for two years before elections took place.

However the GNA has failed on all fronts to gain a vote of confidence from the eastern parliament bloc that would legitimise the GNA’s authority across the country. Since May, GNA-allied forces have been fighting to drive out Daesh from Sirte.

The think-tank also criticised western states who support the GNA of prioritising the fight against Saesh and migration routes from Libya towards Europe, instead of helping to end the divisions and conflict.

International Crisis Group warned that pro-GNA forces in Sirte may advance on the oil ports that were taken over by forces loyal to Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar. They could also move west towards Tripoli, sparking further clashes.

“Avoiding a new confrontation in the oil crescent is particularly urgent,” the group explained.

The ICG also said that Haftar should be included in the peace process and those loyal to him should push for negotiations.