Libya: GNA and LNA sign ‘permanent ceasefire’ on October 23

Event

The United Nations Libya mission announced on Friday, October 23, that the two warring sides in Libya, the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar, have agreed on a permanent ceasefire in all areas of Libya. The ceasefire came into immediate effect after being signed in Geneva by senior officials from both sides on Friday. According to the agreement, all military units and armed militia groups must pull back from the front lines to their military encampments and all foreign fighters and mercenaries must leave Libya by January 23. The deal also states that any military agreements either side has with foreign powers must be suspended until a new government is put in place. Members of the international community, including Germany and the UN, have released statements, welcoming both sides' decision to suspend hostilities. A new round of talks between the two parties is reportedly expected in Tunis early next month.

It is unclear as of Friday whether the ceasefire will be adhered to as some key-GNA aligned military units have made it clear that they have no intention of abiding any agreements to come out of the talks, and LNA's confidence in the ceasefire is said to have been reducing. Further clashes between LNA and GNA-aligned forces are therefore a continued possibility in the near term.

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.