While there has been progress in the international community’s mediation of the Libya conflict with the LPDF opening nominations for a new executive authority, the withdrawal of foreign fighters- one of the central tenants of the October 23 ceasefire- has predictably not been complied with.
On 21 January, UNSMIL announced the start of a one-week nomination period for the submission of candidates for the three-member Presidency Council (PC) and the post of Prime Minister. After nominations have closed, the electoral colleges will then vote on individual candidates in Geneva between 1-5 February constituting the first round of voting.
On 23 January, the 90-day deadline imposed by the UN-mediated October 23 ceasefire agreement made by the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) for the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya passed. All its important promises were unfulfilled. As yet, there is no sign of any significant departure of non-Libyan forces or military supplies in the country. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) published a statement indicating that the co-chairs of the International Follow-Up Committee for Libya Security Working Group (SWG) met with the 5+5 JMC and reiterated their commitment to the ceasefire agreement, including the repatriation of all foreign fighters and mercenaries.