Tripoli, Dec 21, (dpa/GNA) – The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) voiced concern about the security situation in the capital Tripoli on Tuesday, ahead of presidential elections scheduled to take place later this week, but which look increasingly unlikely to happen.
“The current mobilization of forces affiliated with different groups creates tensions and increases the risk of clashes that could spiral into conflict,” an UNSMIL statement said, adding that all disagreements regarding political matters should be resolved through dialogue.
Libya’s presidential election, due to take place on December 24, is part of a United Nations-backed plan to end a decade of chaos in Libya.
Seen as crucial to returning the conflict-ridden country to some kind of stability, the election nevertheless looks increasingly unlikely to go ahead as planned, amid ongoing disputes on electoral rules and the right of various high-profile candidates to enter the race.
“The Mission calls on all Libyan actors to exercise restraint at this delicate moment, and to work together to create a security and political atmosphere that preserves Libya’s progress and enables peaceful elections and a successful transition,” the statement said.
Dozens of candidates have applied to enter the presidential race, including the son of late Libyan dictator Moamer Gaddafi, Saif al-Islam, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the 2011 uprising against his father.
Libya has been in turmoil since the 2011 overthrow of Gaddafi, and the power vacuum has drawn in foreign powers who have engaged in proxy warfare in the country.
GNA