The recent ceasefire agreement in Libya has brought hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in the country. After years of civil war, the two main parties involved have agreed to a permanent ceasefire that could mark the beginning of a new era for Libya.
The agreement, which was signed in Geneva on October 23, 2020, is the result of months of negotiations between the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by General Khalifa Haftar, and the Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. It was brokered by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), with the support of several international actors.
The ceasefire agreement includes several key provisions, such as the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya within three months, the reopening of oil fields and terminals, and the resumption of flights between Tripoli and Benghazi. It also calls for the establishment of a joint military committee to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire and the creation of a political dialogue forum to address the underlying issues causing the conflict.
The agreement has been welcomed by the international community, including the United States, the European Union, and several Gulf countries. It is seen as a significant step towards ending the violence and instability that has plagued Libya since the overthrow of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
However, the success of the ceasefire agreement will depend on the willingness of both parties to implement its provisions and on the support of the international community. The withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries could prove challenging, as both the LNA and the GNA have relied heavily on foreign support during the conflict.
Moreover, the ceasefire agreement does not address the broader political and economic issues that have fueled the conflict in Libya, such as the division of power and resources between the east and the west of the country. These issues will need to be addressed through the political dialogue forum established by the agreement.
Overall, the ceasefire agreement in Libya represents a significant step towards peace and stability in the country. However, much work remains to be done to ensure its implementation and to address the underlying causes of the conflict.