Stephanie Williams, the United Nations envoy for Libya, called for calm on Saturday as unrest across the volatile North African nation led to the burning of the parliament building in Tobruk, the seat of government in the divided nation’s east. “It is absolutely vital that calm is maintained, responsible Libyan leadership demonstrated, and restraint exercised by all.”Williams also urged that “political actors in Libya will now listen,” reiterating comments made to the BBC about Libya’s protests being an “explicit call” for its leaders to hold long-delayed elections. Tensions in Libya have risen alongside food, energy, and other cost-of-living increases. They follow yet another two-day round of unsuccessful negotiations on elections, held with the High Council of State and the Tobruk-based government. “I urge the two chambers to overcome the pending disagreement as soon as possible.”Image: UNSMIL

Source: The North Africa Journal July 02, 2022 16:41 UTC