Libya: Warring parties agree to reopen main coastal road November 12

Event

Libya's warring sides agreed to reopen the countries main coastal road linking eastern and western regions on Thursday, November 12. The deal to reopen the Coastal Highway was agreed by the Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA) during talks taking place by a joint military commission in the front line city of Sirte. The military talks are being held alongside political talks taking place between GNA and LNA representatives in Tunis, Tunisia, on putting into place a UN-brokered peace deal agreed last month in Geneva. A member of the United Nations' Libya mission stated that the two sides would begin work immediately to reopen the road, including the removal of landmines and withdrawing fighters from the area.

Tensions remain high across Libya and isolated clashes between rival troops are possible across much of the country in the near term despite the ongoing peace talks.

Context

On October 23 the GNA and LNA agreed to a permanent ceasefire across Libya after five days of UN-sponsored talks. Under the agreement, all military units have pulled back from frontlines and foreign mercenaries are required to leave Libya by January 23.

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.