Almost a decade since Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s 2011 overthrow, the optimism and liberation that followed this time has been stifled by widespread violence between armed groups. While the United Nations (UN) supported Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Fayez al-Serraj, is occupying the Western region of Libya, based in Tripoli, on the Eastern side resides Khalifa Haftar and his Libyan National Army (LNA). Amidst the chaos between the two sides emanating from the West and the East, there exist a number of armed groups fighting for conflicting visions of the future of Libya. ISIS is one of the many armed groups that are part of an increasingly complex multipolar political situation in Libya.  In recent months, Haftar has been making military efforts to gain control of Tripoli, prompting a multitude of counter offences to defend the city. 

In recent events, the forces connected to GNA have been reported to be launching an offensive against the LNA on the South side of Tripoli. The conflict has manifested itself as of late December in proximity to the Tripoli airport. With casualties on the rise, both sides are scrambling for increased support from a multitude of parties. The UN reports that citizens are highly vulnerable, in particular migrants, and refugees residing in centres throughout Libya. A report from United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), released on December 28th 2019, detailed recent airstrikes which were just metres away from a detention centre in Zawiya which holds 500 + refugee and migrant civilians. The protection of asylum seekers has been neglected by involved parties preoccupied with gaining greater control over the city of Tripoli. 

Libya, arguably Africa’s most oil-rich nation, also holds a stake in the international natural gas market. Both factors, culminate elevate Libya on the map of international  concern when it comes to a number of powerful nations. These factors have seen a multitude of nations wanting a special say in determining the peace process of Libya. In recent events, the GNA has called for Turkey to deploy troops in order to forcibly restore peace to the nation by assisting the government in Tripoli against the LNA, and the rising number of foreign and domestic rebel groups. On the other hand, the involvement of Russia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates shows just how complex this issue really is on the national and international scale. Recently, Giuseppe Conte has brought attention to the dangers of the military approach both Russia and Turkey are taking in Libya. Instead, Conte has emphasized the primacy of politics when it comes to stabilization of complex conflicts such as the one in Libya. Additional concerns have been expressed by United States officials citing the increased number of Russian troops who are providing military support to the LNA.

More pressure needs to be put on the involves states to prioritize political over military solution. In practice this means facilitating political dialogue amongst involved parties such as the LNA and GNA . However, this is no simple task.  The deadlock between the leaders of the GNA and LNA has made political pathways to peace seemingly impossible. However, UNSMIL and other third parties say they are dedicated to efforts which “curb foreign interference; and prevent further catastrophes on civilians.” Although the UN remains a central figure, organizations such as the Arab Maghreb Union, and the African Union need to be given more of a voice on the international stage.