International actors

The LAS, the AU, the EU and the UN set up a Quartet to coordinate efforts in Libya and reaffirmed their support for the LPA.

Head of US AFRICOM warns that Russia is trying to influence outcome in Libya as Reuters reports that Russian Special Forces are stationed at an Egyptian airbase just across from the Libyan border

Egypt issued a statement calling for Libyan parties to continue with political negotiations, but did not mention the BDB advances against the LNA. The UN, UK, US and France have condemned the escalation of violence.

Last week, the HoR President Ageelah Saleh gave the HoR an ultimatum to appoint a new representative committee for the negotiations. However, a delegation has yet been appointed.

On 20 February, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt issued a ministerial declaration which stressed a ‘Libyan-Libyan’ political solution with regional and UN mediation within the framework of the LPA

Serraj is due to meet with Haftar in Cairo on 14 February, after a planned meeting on 13 February was postponed. Serraj is expected to present a new political roadmap for the Libyan crisis, with the blessing of Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt.

Last week, GNA PM Fayez al-Serraj signed an MoU with Italy agreeing to reduce the number of migrants leaving Libya in return for support for the Libyan coast guard and funding for detention centers in Libya. The EU approved the deal and will contribute its own funding to anti-smuggling support measures.

On 30 January, Turkey became the second country to reopen its embassy in Tripoli saying it would “support the territorial integrity and national unity of brotherly Libya”, while Egypt continues its diplomatic efforts to bring rival Libyan factions together in negotiations.

On 19 January, American B-2 stealth bombers destroyed two ISIS camps approximately 44 km south-west of Sirte, dropping more than 100 precision-guided bombs on the targets. On 21 January, a VBIED exploded near the Italian embassy in Tripoli.