UN Envoy Says Libya Rivals Yet to Start Withdrawing Forces

Cars drive near shell-pocked buildings in Libya's eastern coastal city of Benghazi on October 23, 2020, after a ceasefire agreement was signed between the country's warring factions. AFP

Rival forces in Libya have failed to begin withdrawing as required under an October ceasefire agreement, a UN envoy said Thursday.

Stephanie Williams, UN acting special envoy for Libya, told the United Nations Security Council that "while the joint military commission seeks to operationalize the ceasefire agreement, the two sides have not yet begun to withdraw their forces."

The October 23 agreement says all military units and armed groups must withdraw from the frontlines while mercenaries and foreign fighters must leave Libyan territory within 90 days, AFP reported.

Williams said National Accord forces remained stationed at Abu Grein and al-Washkah "with patrolling activities reportedly taking place."

"Military cargo flights were monitored at al-Watiya and Misrata airports," she said.

"Intense cargo aircraft activity was monitored between Benina airport, al-Jufra and al-Gardabiya airbase," Williams noted.

During a video conference, Britain, Germany, Belgium and France in particular called for the fulfillment of military commitments and the departure of foreign mercenaries.