A Chinese envoy emphasized on Wednesday the urgent need for external armed forces and mercenaries to withdraw from Libya.
“The peaceful reconstruction of Libya is at a critical juncture, and promoting political transition is essential for long-term peace and stability. China urges all parties to adhere to a political settlement, enhance dialogue, and build consensus for the early resumption of political negotiations and the establishment of unified state institutions,” stated Dai Bing, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, during a Security Council briefing on the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Dai called on the international community to support African-led solutions to African issues and promote a political resolution to the Libyan crisis. “We advocate for respect for Libya’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and reiterate the call for the swift and orderly withdrawal of external armed forces and mercenaries,” he added.
He also urged for a reduction in hostility and confrontation, emphasizing the need to focus on humanitarian challenges and improve living conditions in Libya.
Pointing out Libya’s long history of civil war and conflict, which has resulted in a fractured security structure, Dai noted that recent unilateral actions have exacerbated the fragile security situation. He called on all Libyan factions to prioritize the country’s interests, exercise restraint, adhere to the ceasefire agreement, implement the consensus of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, and work together to maintain the hard-won peace.
Under the 2020 ceasefire agreement, foreign forces were supposed to withdraw within months, but reports suggest that very few have actually left. Rival factions in Libya continue to rely on fighters from African nations, Turkey, Syria, and Russia.