On 22 August, UNSMIL issued a press release expressing its concern about the increasing tensions and the mobilization of armed forces in Tripoli. It said it is particularly concerned about the threat of violence to resolve the crisis over the Central Bank of Libya (CBL), warning that the display of military power and armed confrontations in densely populated neighbourhoods are unacceptable and threaten the lives and safety of the civilian population.
Shortly after, the US Embassy shared UNSMIL’s concerns about possible fighting in Tripoli and called on all parties to de-escalate and avoid violence. It warned that the attempt to resolve the crisis around the CBL by force is unacceptable and will have serious consequences for the integrity of this vital institution and the stability of the country, as well as potentially serious repercussions for Libya’s position in the international financial system. The UK, EU, Italy, France and others also shared the UNSMIL statement to express their concerns.