The Acting UN envoy to Libya, Stephanie Williams, warned of high risk of a direct conflict between rival foreign powers in Libya as the flow of weapons and mercenaries continues to the country.
On the current situation in the country, the UN envoy said that no efforts have been made to stem the flow of mercenaries or weapons, and there is clearly a full international impunity.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Williams warned of the danger of Libya turning into a proxy war arena as foreign interference in Libya is still continuing from many parties.
She also warned of the possibility that competing foreign powers would engage in direct confrontation as the forces backed by Turkey and loyal to the Government of National Accord couod go to the east after they made progress against the Libyan National Army.
This brought a Russian responded by deploying 14 Mig-29s and Su-24 combat aircraft to Jufra via Syria, Williams said, adding that it coincided with the announcement by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi that Sirte was a “red line” and threatened to send troops to Libya.
The Financial Times article referred to satellite images released by the US military this month and said it showed Russian mercenaries belonging to the Russian Wagner Group and the US military estimated the number of 2,000 fighters fighting alongside the national army, indicating that Russian military aircraft continue to transport more of them.
The acting UN envoy highlighted a number of key issues that will be the basis of any ceasefire agreement that includes cooperation in combating terrorism, the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries, and the need for the United Nations to monitor the ceasefire.
Williams revealed that the Libyan parties are increasingly interested in a political process to end the conflict, but the obstacle lies in agreeing on how to settle the conflict over Sirte, stressing that foreign interference complicates peace efforts and the Libyans lose their voice as decisions are taken on their behalf in foreign capitals.
