UN Libya envoy warns against descent into chaos

Libya is facing “political impasse” and “hazardous military developments”, the UN envoy to the North African country Martin Kobler warned on Tuesday, highlighting the impact of violence on civilians.
The country has been ravaged by unrest since the fall and death in 2011 of dictator Moamer Kadhafi and has also seen the jihadist Islamic State group establish a foothold.
A Government of National Accord supported by the United Nations and Western powers was established in the capital Tripoli in March, but has been unable to assert its authority in the face of a rival administration in the east of the country.
“Unfortunately, we are now facing a political impasse,” Kobler told a meeting of the UN’s Human Rights Council in Switzerland.
“At the same time, Libya is witnessing the unfolding of dangerous military developments,” he said, citing the takeover of key oil facilities by the forces of controversial Marshal Khalifa Haftar who does not recognise the GNA.
He also cited the fighting between forces loyal to the GNA against IS in Sirte, “with nearly 600 killed and thousands injured”.