“Today is a good day for the Libyan people. At 11:15 am this morning, here in the UN headquarters in Geneva, the two Libyan delegations to the 5+5 Joint Military Commission talks signed a complete, countrywide and permanent ceasefire agreement with immediate effect.”
Following a number of peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland, facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), on October 23, 2020, opposing Libyan parties signed a historic accord ending years of internal conflict in the country. Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UNSMIL Stephanie Williams commended their efforts.
“What they have accomplished here today took a great deal of courage. They demonstrated their patriotism, love of country and commitment in coming together to reach an agreement that can help secure a better and more peaceful future for all of the Libyan people. I salute their sense of responsibility and commitment to preserve Libya’s unity and to reassert Libya’s sovereignty. They now want to come together to rebuild their country, to end this long state of crisis and division, to rebuild their institutions. It is incumbent on the international community to support them in this effort.”
The agreement includes the prompt withdrawal of all military fronts, domestic and foreign, within a 90-day period as well as the suspension of the training of troops. The 5+5 Libyan Joint Military Commission, consisting of five senior officers from both the Government of National Accord and the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, will continue to work with the UN, a Shining World Leadership for Lives-Saving-Hero Award laureate, to implement the deal, as well as help monitor the ceasefire with assistance from the UN Security Council. Measures will also be taken to build confidence throughout Libya, such as the reopening of travel routes by air and land between eastern and western regions after more than a year of closure.
Head of the Government of National Accord’s Military Delegation in Libya, Ahmed Ali Abushahma, said, “We have had enough suffering, enough bloodshed. I appeal to all Libya: Be one hand.” Meanwhile, head of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces delegation, A. Amhimmid Mohamed Alamami stated, “We have succeeded in achieving that which all Libyans are looking forward to: the feeling of belonging to a nation and to spread peace and security.”
Our heartfelt congratulations and esteemed salute, Libya, Ahmed Ali Abushahma, the Government of National Accord, A. Amhimmid Mohamed Alamami and the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, on this noble step towards lasting peace in your nation. Also, our earnest gratitude, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Stephanie Williams and the United Nations, for your ongoing support of peace around the world. May Allah bless Libya’s gentle people with an evermore harmonious, secure and unified future.
