Libya's unity government arrives in Tripoli despite blockade

By Catherine Hardy with Reuters

Published on 31/03/2016 - 07:32

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UN-backed government defies attempts to keep it out

Libyan council defies moves to keep them out of Tripoli

Western powers offer support

Libyan factions urged to cooperate

What is happening?

Head of Libya's unity government sails to the capital despite threats from rival factions https://t.co/4QKhSCKI6E
— TIME.com (@TIME) March 31, 2016

They have entered by force, under foreign protection, and Libyans will not accept anything imposed on them by force

Members of Libya’s UN-backed Presidential Council have arrived in Tripoli by boat, after being forced to make the journey from Tunisia by sea.

Airspace around the Libyan capital was closed for several hours on Sunday and Monday.

Officials say the aim was to keep them out of the city and prevent them from setting up a unity government.

#Libyan council gains #Tripoli foothold for #UN-backed govt https://t.co/ylzsGlYPla #FayezSeraj #Tunisia #Abusita pic.twitter.com/5PcQpzJdMf
— Ahram Online (@ahramonline) March 30, 2016

Seven officials, including council head Fayez Seraj and Libya’s new prime minister landed at the Abusita naval base after a 12-hour journey from the Tunisian port of Sfax.

Security was tight. There are checkpoints and armoured vehicles on the road leading from the base.

Violent clashes

The atmosphere in the city is tense.

Large queues are forming again at fuel stations in #Tripoli #Libya, local population panicking over rising threat of violence across capital
— TRIDENT_RISKS (@TRIDENT_RISK) March 30, 2016

Members of the Nawasi brigade, which supports the council, clashed with opponents shortly after news of the arrival broke.

A spokesman said one Nawasi member was killed and three wounded.

Sources: An armed group storm and seize Al-Nabaa TV pic.twitter.com/jmqe5J8NCF
— The Libya Observer (@Lyobserver) March 30, 2016

Al-Nabaa, an influential television channel that backs a separate, self-declared government, has been taken off the air.

The context

A self-declared government, backed by armed groups, had warned the council and the unity government not to travel to the Libyan capital.

The unity government – or government of national accord (GNA) – is the result of a UN-mediated deal signed last December.

Western powers have recognised it as Libya’s sole legitimate government.

The government aims to end Libya’s political impasse, resolve its armed conflict and tackle the growing threat from ISIL militants.

However, there is opposition in the east and west of the country.

The 18 members of the GNA have so far failed to secure a vote of approval from Libya’s eastern, internationally-recognised parliament.

This is a requirement under the UN-mediated deal.

What they are saying

“We will work for a ceasefire across Libya, for national reconcilation and the return of displaced people, and we will seek to confront Islamic State.” – Council head Fayez Seraj admits there are challenges ahead.

“Their arrival is premature. They have entered by force, under foreign protection, and Libyans will not accept anything imposed on them by force.” – Fathi al-Mrimi, spokesperson for Libya’s eastern parliament.

“We stand ready to respond positively to requests for support and assistance from the GNA to help them restore stability to Libya, to rebuild the economy, fight Daesh (ISIL) and tackle the criminal gangs that threaten the security of Libyans and exploit illegal migrants.” – British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.

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