Rival Libyan forces on Tuesday struck a deal that would create a political framework to pave way for United Nations-backed elections on 10 December to end the country’s seven-year conflict.
The North African nation has been dogged by war since the NATO-backed ouster and killing of long-serving leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Gaddafi’s death created a vacuum that militant groups and human smuggling rings sought to fill, sparking wars as factions claimed rule over various regions.
The Libyan factions have been meeting for talks in the French capital Paris. Those present included eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar, Tripoli Prime Minister Fayez Seraj, and the leaders of rival parliamentary assemblies.
“Against the backdrop of a Libyan-owned process and the full engagement of all Libyan parties involved, we committed in Paris on May 29, 2018 … to work constructively with the U.N. to realise credible and peaceful elections as soon as possible and to respect the results of these elections when they occur,” a joint statement by the four stakeholders read.
The declaration was not signed as originally planned. It calls for the immediate unification of the central bank and the phasing out of parallel government and institutions. It makes a commitment to support the creation of a national army and encourage a dialogue on the issue in Cairo.
“The parties have committed to set the constitutional basis for elections and adopt the necessary electoral laws by September 16, 2018 and hold Parliamentary and Presidential elections on December 10, 2018,” the statement said.
The Libyan conflict has killed thousands and displaced millions others.
The oil-producing country became a haven for human smuggling rings that late last year came into the limelight for their inhumane handling of migrants seeking to reach Europe.
