Libya’s internationally recognised government has called on the United States to halt the military offensive on Tripoli that is being led by rebel forces in the East.
Prime Minister Fayez Serraj told the Wall Street Journal that Libya did not want to return to a Gaddafi style regime and that Khalifa Haftar is an aspiring dictator. He called on the U.S. to use its influence in the region to stop countries such as Egypt and the United Arab Emirates supporting the offensive.
The United Nations says mediation is the solution to the conflict.
Indonesia’s U.N. Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani, who is acting president of the Security Council, said after a meeting to discuss the crisis: “The Security Council calls for all parties rapidly to return to United Nations political mediation and to commit to a ceasefire and de-escalation to help mediation succeed.”
Hundreds of Libyans are believed to have been killed since the latest offensive began in early April. Eastern leader Khaftar claims credit for driving out Islamic State forces from the region.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the month-old battle for Libya’s capital Tripoli risks causing an “exponential” rise in civilian casualties as well as outbreaks of deadly diseases including cholera.
Experts said there is a likelihood of cholera, because the water and sanitation system is compromised.
With summer coming, those forced out of their homes are susceptible to diarrhoea and diseases due to contaminated water and food, crowding and bad sanitation facilities.
