As Haftar’s power collapses, Egypt calls for a ceasefire in Libya

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has outlined plans to initiate a peaceful agreement to halt all fighting in its neighbouring countries.

President Fattah al-Sisi has recently said in a news conference that “this initiative calls for respecting all international efforts and initiatives by declaring a ceasefire from 6pm [16:00 GMT] Monday, June 8, 2020.”

Cairo has expressed that the ongoing conflict can no longer be continued with violence and has urged the United Nations to propose a bilateral discussion between both rivalling parties. He has also proposed the removal of all foreign mercenaries present in Libya.

“There can be no stability in Libya unless peaceful means to the crisis are found that include the unity and integrity of the national institutions,” the Egyptian President stated. “The initiative could be a new start in Libya.”

The measures were supported by one of the fighting sides as well as several of its foreign allies. There were no representatives of the Government of National Accord (GNA), the official recognized government or of its ally. They are yet to respond to the proposal.

This was announced briefly after Hafter’s forces had suffered grave losses in its prolonged attempts to capture the capital, Tripoli.

The country has been in a permanent state of instability since the dictator Gaddafi was removed in 2011. In 2014, the current civil war initiated and the divided administrations in the East and the West sought control over the country.

As the years passed, the fighting intensified due to the involvement of external forces. Its national resource became the fuel that escalated the conflict. Libya, a nation rich in oil, was divided as both sides increased in powers. Haftar was backed by Russia, France, Jordan and the United Arab and the GNA was supported by Turkey, Italy and Qatar.

The conflict claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians.