Libya : Warring Factions Announce Ceasefire

Libya’s warring factions have announced a nationwide ceasefire, renewing hopes for peace in the country. In two separate communiques signed on Friday, August 21, 2020, the head of Tripoli-based government, Faye al-Sarrj announced an end to hostilities and called for the demilitarization of the contested strategic city of Sirte, while Aguila Saleh speaker of the east-based parliament backed by military strongman Khalifa Hafter followed suit with a ceasefire call and an end to oil blockade imposed earlier this year.
The ceasefire which is a major surprise to many observers has been welcomed by the international community with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whose country had planned to deploy troops in Libya hailing the announcement by rival authorities, "this decision is an important step on the way to a political settlement and the restoration of stability" in the country. On the French side, it is a "positive step", but "which must materialize on the ground". An "understanding" which is also welcomed by the United Nations, as the growing internationalization of the conflict raised fea...