27 May – 2 June: UNSMIL releases statement claiming resumption of ceasefire talks

Jun 3, 2020 | Libyan actors

On 1 June, United Nations Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL) released a statement welcoming agreement from both the Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA) to resume ceasefire talks and related security arrangements based on the 5 + 5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) talks that took place in February 2020. UNSMIL noted that the new round of negotiations would occur through video communication due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, no date for the talks was announced. So far, neither the GNA nor the LNA has commented on the development.

Over the last week, fighting has continued in the south of Tripoli, with an intensification of clashes in the Tripoli International Airport area as the GNA forces continued to push forward against LNA positions in the area and took control of the Qasr Ben Ghashir Bridge on the Airport Road axis. However, the GNA’s progress has been significantly hampered due to the withdrawing LNA forces reportedly planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines.

On 27 May, the Speaker of the Tubruq-based House of Representatives (HoR), Aqeela Saleh, met in al-Qubah with the LNA General Command, excluding its leader Khalifa Haftar, to discuss the latest developments on the Tripoli frontlines and ways to push back against Turkey’s involvement and support of the GNA.

On 28 May, the GNA issued decree No. 376 of 2020 removing the Minister of Economy and Industry, Ali al-Issawi, from the role and assigning Faraj Boumtari (who is currently the Minister of Finance) in the role.