21 Aug 2020 | 12:07 PM UTC
Libya: GNA and HoR announce immediate ceasefire August 21
Presidential Council and House of Representatives announced an immediate ceasefire and an end to all hostilities on August 21; maintain heightened vigilance
Event
Chairman of the Presidential Council Fayez Sarraj of the Government of National Accord (GNA), and Aguila Saleh, the head of the House of Representatives (HoR), ordered on Friday, August 21, an immediate ceasefire, and an end to all hostilities in Libya. Further, Sarraj called for presidential and parliamentary elections in March 2021.
It is unclear as of Friday whether the ceasefire will be implemented and adhered to, and therefore further clashes between HoR and GNA-aligned forces are possible in the near term.
Context
Tensions between pro-GNA forces and the HoR-backed Libyan National Army (LNA) have escalated following the latter's withdrawal from Tripoli in June, with both sides massing forces around the coastal city of Sirte. However, multiple actors have engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent a battle for control of the city in recent weeks.
Advice
The security environment in Libya remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with appropriate security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
