Libya’s Presidential Council and UN Mission Form Ceasefire Committee

 The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), together with Libya's Presidential Council, has established a ceasefire committee aimed at achieving a lasting end to hostilities. The UNSMIL press service reported the formation.

"In line with its role as the supreme commander of the Libyan Armed Forces, the Presidential Council, together with UNSMIL, has set up a ceasefire committee, building on the fragile calm reached this week. The committee, which held its first meeting on May 18, will focus on securing a permanent ceasefire, with a strong emphasis on protecting civilians and synchronizing security arrangements for Tripoli," the statement said.

The committee is headed by Libyan Army Chief of General Staff, General Mohamed Al-Haddad.

UNSMIL also highlighted the UN Security Council's concern over reports of civilian casualties and called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. "Those responsible for attacks and violations of the ceasefire, as well as breaches of international humanitarian law and human rights, must be held accountable," the mission added.

Earlier in May, UNSMIL had voiced concern over a spike in violence in Tripoli following clashes during the night of May 13-14.

Tensions in Tripoli escalated sharply between May 12 and 13 after heavy fighting broke out between Mahmoud Hamza's 444th Brigade and the Stabilization Support Apparatus. The violence flared after the death of the Apparatus's leader, Abdelghani Al-Kikli. Fighting lasted several hours. Afterward, the Ministry of Defence under the Government of National Unity announced the successful completion of an operation to restore stability, while Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh declared reforms to the capital's security sector.

These measures sparked widespread discontent and led to fresh clashes. According to Libyan medical officials, at least six people, including civilians, were killed and about 70 wounded in one night. On the evening of May 14, large demonstrations erupted in Tripoli, with protesters blaming Dbeibeh's cabinet and demanding his resignation. Overnight on May 17, one demonstrator was killed and several were wounded in shelling by forces supporting the Government of National Unity.