26 February – 3 March: UNSMIL-mediated political dialogue talks falter

Mar 4, 2020 | Libyan actors

The House of Representatives (HoR) and the High Council of State (HCS) refused to attend the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)-mediated political dialogue talks which began in Geneva on 26 February. The Tubruq-based HoR withdrew from the Geneva talks following UNSMIL’s non-compliance with their terms and conditions. The HCS announced it had suspended its participation in Geneva talks because of its claims the LNA had violated the Russia-Turkey mediated ceasefire nominally in place in Tripoli. Nonetheless, the Geneva meeting went ahead with 20 of the 40 intended participants attending. However, the attendees are reported to have been those who have been continuously involved in the UN-mediated process, rather than those whom the UN has been attempting to get to the table.

The Libyan National Army (LNA) continues to undertake a large number of indirect fire attacks, notably targeting Tripoli’s Migita International Airport. On 28 February, Mohammed Qannunou, the Government of National Accord (GNA)’s Volcano of Rage spokesman, stated that the international condemnation of Haftar’s attacks has not been effective in saving civilians from the shells and missiles launched on the neighborhoods in Tripoli. He added that the GNA forces would use their rights to defend themselves. The GNA-aligned forces appear to have strengthen their aerial capabilities.