UN Concern Over Armed Mobilization in Libya

The United Nations Libya mission has expressed serious concerns over the mobilization of armed factions in Tripoli amid escalating tensions related to the control of the Central Bank of Libya. Deputy head Stephanie Koury reported to the U.N. Security Council that the political and military situation in Libya has rapidly deteriorated, with confrontations in densely populated areas threatening civilian safety. This unrest follows attempts to oust Central Bank head Sadiq al-Kabir, leading to rival factions rallying in support of different political entities. Concurrently, military movements by Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar towards the southwestern town of Ghadames have raised alarms in neighboring Algeria, as these operations are seen as attempts to secure the border amidst fears of extremist activity. Algeria is particularly wary of potential disruptions due to the region's Tuareg population, with Haftar's forces reportedly responding to Algerian military activities. Overall, the situation reflects ongoing instability in Libya, where efforts at political resolution remain stalled and armed conflicts persist.