UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep concern about the political stalemate and parallel governing institutions in Libya, noting that they are paving the way for further political division in the country.
In a detailed report on the past four months, Guterres noted that unilateral actions and the continued stalemate have eroded trust between the Libyan parties and increased their intransigence in their positions, leading to the perpetuation of the status quo.
The Secretary-General stressed the importance of supporting the efforts of the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations in Libya, Stephanie Khoury, to revitalize the political process through inclusive consultations.
Guterres reported that internal clashes had erupted in Benghazi in mid-April between fighters from the Tariq bin Ziyad Battalion and the 166th Battalion, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The Secretary-General’s report said that the clashes erupted after the Tariq bin Ziyad group attempted to seize control of a camp in central Benghazi under the control of the 166th Battalion and that members of the 166th Battalion were reportedly arrested.
