Acting Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Stephanie Williams warned that the Libyan people are increasingly scared that their future is being taken out of their hands by external actors, and that the risk of a regional war is rising.
During her visit to London, Williams stressed in a statement that Libyans are worn out and need peace.
“The Libyan people are exhausted and scared in equal measure. They are tired of war and want peace, but they fear this is not in their hands now. They want a solution and a ceasefire. The alternative to a ceasefire and an inclusive political solution is essentially the destruction of their country."
"This is as much a battle between external rivals, as civil war now, in which the Libyans are losing their sovereignty,” she added.
Williams also noted that external agendas could lead to a regional conflict.
“With so many external actors with their own agendas, the risk of miscalculation and a regional confrontation is high.”
Earlier on Thursday, Williams called on Libyans to grasp the chance of Eid al-Adha to cease the fighting as she expressed hope that forgiveness and unity among Libyans will dominate.
