Disarming armed groups in Tripoli is ‘imperative’ - PSC
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) -The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) has affirmed "the imperative of maintaining order and disarming non-state armed groups in the capital, Tripoli,‘ assuring that it ’strongly supports" efforts to restore civil order and protect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, in accordance with African Union instruments and international law.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its session held on Thursday at the level of heads of state and government on the situation in Libya, excerpts of which were published by the Libyan newspaper ‘Bawabat Al Wasat’, the PSC stressed the need to ensure effective protection of civilians.
It warned ‘all those responsible for the recent attacks on civilians that they would be held accountable for their actions’, in reference to the recent clashes in the capital in May.
The PSC also expressed its deep concern about the unstable security situation in Libya, particularly the military clashes that took place in Tripoli last May, which resulted in loss of life and material damage.
The Peace and Security Council called for ‘an unconditional and permanent ceasefire’, urging all parties to refrain from any action or statement that could lead to further escalation.
It also called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libyan territory.
The PSC also called on the African Union Commission to cooperate with the international community and continue to provide political support to the 5+5 Joint Military Committee (in order to fully implement the ceasefire agreement, including the reunification of military institutions and the establishment and implementation of a disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process (DDR).
In this context, the African Peace and Security Council called on the Presidential Council to support the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and to work towards the definitive reform of the security sector and the unification of all national institutions to enable them to better respond to the needs of the Libyan people.
It also expressed deep concern about the continuing violations of the arms embargo, illicit fuel exports and the erosion of frozen Libyan assets due to mismanagement, emphasising the crucial responsibility of the Sanctions Committee to maintain transparency and accountability, ensure strict compliance with the sanctions regime and prevent any misuse of frozen Libyan assets.
The African Peace and Security Council reiterated its decision to conduct a field visit to Libya to enable it to engage in dialogue with the various stakeholders on the ground to better understand the situation on the ground and support the transition process.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/BBA/RA 26July2025
