The Government of National Unity (GNA) accepted Sunday the call for a cease-fire in Libya launched by Moscow and Ankara, a few hours after the announcement by their rival, Marshal Khalifa Haftar, of the cessation of hostilities . UN recognized GNA chief Fayez al-Sarraj said in a statement "a cease-fire from (Sunday) January 12 at 00:00 hrs", emphasizing the "legitimate right" of his forces "to respond to any attack or aggression that may come from the other side".
On Saturday, shortly before midnight, the forces of the strongman of eastern Libya, Marshal Haftar, also announced a cease-fire from Sunday at midnight, without mentioning the call from Moscow and Ankara. However, they warned in a brief statement that "the response will be severe if the truce is breached by the opposing side". Artillery fire was heard shortly after midnight from the center of Tripoli, headquarters of the GNA, before a precarious calm prevails on the southern suburbs of the capital, where the GNA forces have been resisting an attack since April 4 pro-Haftar.
Ankara supports Tripoli, Moscow Haftar
The entry into force of this ceasefire comes after an intensive diplomatic ballet this week, led in particular by Ankara and Moscow who have established themselves in recent weeks as key players in Libya. Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Poutine called on Wednesday in Istanbul for the establishment of this cease-fire and on Saturday, Turkey asked Russia to convince Marshal Haftar to respect it.
Marshal Haftar had however announced Thursday evening the continuation of his military operations, while welcoming "the initiative of (Russian) President Vladimir Putin". Ankara deployed soldiers in January to support the GNA while Russia, despite its denials, is strongly suspected of supporting rival troops of Marshal Haftar who also benefits from the support of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.
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- Civil war
- Libya
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- Cease fire