Tuesday, 13 September 2016

12.9.2016 Libya sinks into the unknown

The troops of General Haftar, based in eastern Libya, took control of three oil ports, Monday, September 12. The days of the government of national unity (GNA), based in Tripoli are counted.

What is the offensive troops Haftar?

It did not take three days General Haftar to take possession of three major oil terminals of the country, Zoueitina, Al-Sedra and Ras Lanuf. The chief proclaimed Libyan National Army (ANL) linked to the rival authorities in eastern Libya and defies increasingly severely the fragile unity government (GNA), based in Tripoli since the spring and brought to the end arm by the UN.

What were the reactions?

In a joint statement, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and USA "condemn" the attacks against oil sites and demanding "an immediate cease-fire."
The leader of the unrecognized government in the East, Abdullah al-Theni said it would "work for the return of the activity of oil terminals in the shortest possible time to ensure all Libyans a dignified life." The UN Special Representative for Libya, Martin Kobler, has engaged recalled Monday, September 12 that under the resolution 2259 of the UN oil installations must be under the supervision of GNA and any export beyond its control was illegal by nature and therefore prohibited.

What is at stake in this battle?

This battle for oil increasing control reflects the disintegration of the situation in Libya. For the first time, forces loyal to the Eastern authorities' opposition to those hitherto loyal to GNA. So far, the troops of General Haftar fought - and still fight - the revolutionary brigades and Islamists based in the Benghazi area. While militias from Misrata who had joined the GNA led - and still lead during four months - the struggle to reclaim the city of Sirte, which fell into the hands of jihadists Daesh.

This confrontation between the forces of the East and West comes less than a month after the divorce policy was officially consumated. A majority of members of parliament fled to Tobruk has indeed refused August 22 to give confidence to the GNA. This vote was expected since last winter has completed a fatal blow to the agreement Skhirat (Morocco), signed in December under the auspices of the UN, in order to forge a reconciliation between political forces East and West and their associated militias.
Part of the Libyan people had seen a good eye the arrival of Fayez el-Sarraj head to the GNA in Tripoli in the spring. The GNA was and is unable to install its authority over the country, hopes have since dulled.

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