UNSMIL calls for peaceful dialogue, de-escalation in Tripoli
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed concern the high levels of tension in Tripoli warning that any use of force has the potential to escalate into violent clashes.
In a statement issued on Saturday, UNSMIL said it has observed with deep concern the continued mobilization of forces and heavy weaponry around Tripoli, and considers this to be “a dangerous development”.
It said it has noted that discussions have progressed on security arrangements in Tripoli which have been ongoing under the auspices of the Presidency Council within the Truce Committee and the Security and Military Arrangements Committee since June, with the support of UNSMIL.
The UN mission said it is also aware that progress has been made on a number of issues of concern to the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU).
The statement said: "We call on all parties to continue dialogue to resolve this matter as soon as possible, and exercise maximum restraint to avoid escalating tensions or endangering civilians.
Any action entailing the use of force—whether intentional or not—has the potential to escalate into violent clashes."
UNSMIL said this most recent buildup is causing widespread fear among Tripoli’s population.
“We urge the authorities to ensure clashes do not break out because of the potential harm to civilians in the most densely populated city in the country.”
UNSMIL said it would continue to support mediation efforts and was engaging with key stakeholders to address emerging challenges and ensure the sustainability of the truce.
“The Mission reminds all actors of their obligations under human rights and international humanitarian law and stresses that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are unlawful. The Mission reminds all parties that the United Nations Security Council on 17 May stated that those responsible for attacks against civilians would be held accountable,” the statement said.
PANA reported on Friday that the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army in Western Libya, Lieutenant General Mohamed Al-Haddad, held a meeting on Thursday with members of the Committee responsible for implementing and anchoring the truce in the capital Tripoli, as signs of unrest and military movements are evident in the city, raising fears of a resurgence of armed violence.
The press office of the Libyan army's General Staff said that the meeting was devoted to monitoring the security situation in Tripoli, to ensure the maintenance of calm.
PANA said Tripoli has seen an increase in security tensions in recent hours. Videos circulating have shown intense military movements in various parts of the city, as well as military convoys arriving from the eastern and western regions.
Many residents of the municipality of Tajoura issued a statement expressing their categorical rejection of the transformation of the municipality into “a battlefield”, stressing that the entry of any military convoy into the municipality is considered “an aggression against its population”.
The statement called on officials and the conflict resolution force to assume their responsibilities to protect civilians and prevent any clashes.
In the same context, the Souk al-Juma Movement, in the eastern suburbs of Tripoli, supported Tajoura's declaration, pledging its solidarity and expressing its rejection of any outbreak of war in Tripoli.
The Movement called on UNSMIL to condemn calls for war and work towards a way out of the crisis.
For his part, Osama Juwaili, the commander of the Jabl Al-Gharbi West military region, which is affiliated with the Presidential Council, warned that any armed action in the capital, whatever its justification, aims to thwart the political process facilitated UNSMIL, stressing that its consequences would be disastrous for all.
UNSMIL last week at the UN Security Council announced a new political roadmap based on three pillars: establishing a viable legal and constitutional framework for holding presidential and legislative elections, unifying institutions through the formation of a new unified government, and launching a structured national dialogue to resolve contentious issues.
-0- PANA MA 30Aug2025
