Updated: February 25, 2021
By Oni Oladipupo
The United States, the United Kingdom, France and Italy issued a joint statement on Tuesday, welcoming the ceasefire in Tripoli, Libya, where tens of thousands of people have been killed since the Arab Spring protests of 2011 led to a civil war, foreign military intervention, and the ousting and death of Muammar Gaddafi.
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The civil war’s aftermath and proliferation of armed groups led to violence and instability across the country, which erupted into renewed civil war in 2014.
During both civil wars, the output of Libya’s economically crucial oil industry collapsed to a small fraction of its usual level, with most facilities blockaded or damaged by rival groups, despite having the largest oil reserves of any African country.
U.S. President Barack Obama stated on 11 April 2016 that not preparing for a post-Gaddafi Libya was probably the “worst mistake” of his presidency.
“The Governments of France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States welcome the result of the mediation reached today by the United Nations Support Mission that aims to deescalate violence in and around Tripoli and ensure the protection of civilians,” the four nations of France, Italy, UK and UD said in a statement received by Today News Africa in Washington DC
“We reiterate our strong support for Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ghassan Salame as he works to realize an immediate and durable cessation of hostilities in the Libyan capital, which is a critical step to advancing the political process in accordance with the United Nations Action Plan,” they added.
“As the Secretary-General noted on September 2, all parties should immediately cease hostilities and abide by the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United Nations.
“We call on all Libyan parties to refrain from any actions that could undermine today’s ceasefire announcement, jeopardize the security of civilians, or set back Libyan efforts to advance the political process and move forward in the spirit of compromise.
“We also reiterate support for the President of the Presidency Council, Fayez al-Sarraj, and the Government of National Accord as they work in partnership with the United Nations to promote reconciliation and support a Libyan-led political process”.
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