Zawiya and Sorman clashes: UN condemnation and recommendations to curb the proliferation of weapons
Clashes are continuing in the western Libyan city of Zawiya, as well as in Sorman, prompting concern from the United Nations and calls for those directly involved in the fighting, along with their backers, to be held accountable for the consequences of their actions.
In a statement issued by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), a copy of which was obtained by Al Ain News, the UN mission strongly condemned the ongoing clashes in Zawiya and those that took place in the city of Sorman. It called on all parties to the conflict to immediately halt the fighting and refrain from any provocative actions that could further escalate tensions.
Armed clashes broke out on Tuesday between members of what is known as the “Security Threats Countermeasure Service,” led by Mohammed Bahrun, known as “Al-Far,” and members of the “103rd Infantry Brigade,” also known as the “Al-Salaa Brigade,” led by Othman Al-Lahab. Militias led by Muhannad Sweissi also took part in the fighting.
The UN mission said that the clashes in Zawiya, as well as those that had previously taken place in Sorman, put civilians at risk and resulted in deaths and numerous injuries. They also caused extensive damage to private property and critical infrastructure, including the Zawiya refinery.
Concerns and calls for an investigation
The mission confirmed that the fighting in Sorman had led to the escape of a number of prisoners, raising serious concerns about the protection of civilians and the safety and security of residents.
It called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the events to identify individuals or groups directly or indirectly involved and hold them accountable for their actions, in recognition of the full right of victims of violence in Zawiya and Sorman to justice and redress through prompt, independent and credible investigations.
It also stressed the need for those directly involved in the fighting, as well as their backers, to be held accountable for the consequences of their actions.
While reminding all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, the mission stressed that the use of heavy weapons or the establishment of military positions inside or near populated areas in a manner that causes harm to civilians is completely unacceptable.
It called on all parties to make every effort to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
The mission warned that failure to protect civilians and civilian facilities, as well as endangering the lives and safety of residents, could constitute crimes punishable under applicable national and international law.
The UN roadmap
The UN mission called on the relevant Libyan authorities to urgently accelerate the establishment of a coordinated mechanism to:
- withdraw heavy weapons and move them away from populated areas;
- support de-escalation efforts to prevent renewed violence, protect civilians and safeguard critical infrastructure;
- support credible and sustainable efforts to reduce the widespread violence that has affected the region in recent months;
- encourage local leaders and influential political and security actors to use their influence to ease tensions and refrain from any measures that could lead to renewed clashes.
The UN mission also recalled the findings of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Libya, which highlighted the continued proliferation of weapons, the activities of armed groups and serious human rights violations, as well as the destabilizing impact of the illicit movement of weapons and fighters.
The panel’s findings underscored the serious risks posed by armed escalation in densely populated areas such as Zawiya and Sorman. They therefore require all parties to refrain from military escalation and call on the Libyan authorities to take effective measures to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.
The mission reiterated its support for all Libyan-led efforts aimed at reducing tensions, strengthening accountability and preserving stability in Zawiya, Sorman and the surrounding areas. It also reaffirmed its full readiness to use its good offices in support of these efforts.
