“The Mission strongly urges all parties to avoid any actions or political rhetoric that could trigger escalation or lead to renewed clashes,” UNSMIL stated.

The UN body emphasised that all political and military actors are bound by international law to protect civilians and civilian property. “Those responsible for attacks against civilians will be held accountable,” the statement warned.

Recent days have seen renewed clashes and heightened troop movements in Tripoli, underlining the persistent fragility of the security situation. The Mission reiterated its support for the work of the Truce and Security and Military Arrangements Committees, calling on recently deployed forces in Tripoli to withdraw “without delay”.

Dialogue, not violence, was reaffirmed as the only path to sustainable peace. “The use of force cannot solve Libya’s political challenges,” UNSMIL said, stressing the need for all parties to recommit to political negotiations.

The latest escalation follows a violent episode in May when heavy clashes erupted in several Tripoli neighbourhoods, reportedly sparked by the killing of a militia leader. The fighting involved heavy weaponry in civilian areas, forcing hundreds of families to flee and compounding the city’s already strained infrastructure.

Libya remains deeply divided between rival administrations in the east and west. A UN-brokered ceasefire in 2020 had raised hopes for national elections, but progress has stalled due to deep political divisions and sporadic outbreaks of violence.

With Tripoli once again teetering on the edge, the UN's call comes as an urgent reminder of the need for political unity and the protection of civilian life in a country long marred by conflict.

--UN/ChannelAfrica--