The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Friday expressed concern over incitement on social media in Libya, as the armed conflict continues between rival parties in and around the capital Tripoli.
“UNSMIL notes with concern continued incitement in the social media channels in Libya to demonise and criminalise fellow Libyans. Such hateful rhetoric serves the narrow interests of those who profit from conflict and fear peace,” the UN mission said on its official Twitter account.
1/2 UNSMIL notes with concern continued incitement in the social media channels in Libya to demonise and criminalise fellow Libyans. Such hateful rhetoric serves the narrow interests of those who profit from conflict and fear peace… pic.twitter.com/Qq8X8v0w3t
— UNSMIL (@UNSMILibya) June 28, 2019
“Incitement of violence cannot be tolerated as it may trigger harm to Libyans … UNSMIL and human rights observers will continue to closely follow this issue,” it added.
The east-based Libyan army has been leading a military campaign since early April to take over Tripoli from the UN-backed government.
According to the World Health Organization, the fighting has so far killed 739 people and injured 4,407 others, while tens of thousands fled their homes because of the armed conflict.
Libya has been suffering escalating violence and political instability ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011.
