China Urges Immediate Withdrawal of Foreign Fighters from Libya

China has called for the withdrawal of all foreign fighters from Libya, stressing the importance of restoring stability and sovereignty in the conflict-torn nation.

On Wednesday, a Chinese envoy emphasized the urgent need for foreign armed forces and mercenaries to leave Libya promptly.

Libya’s peaceful reconstruction has reached a crucial point, with political transition being essential for ensuring lasting peace and stability. China urges all parties to remain committed to a political resolution by enhancing dialogue, consultation, and building consensus towards resuming negotiations promptly and forming unified state institutions,” stated Dai Bing, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations during a Security Council briefing on the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Dai urged the international community to maintain support for initiatives that aim to find African solutions for African challenges and advance a political resolution in Libya. “We emphasize the importance of respecting Libya’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity,” he stated. “Furthermore, we reiterate our call for foreign military forces and mercenaries to be withdrawn from Libya promptly in a smooth and orderly fashion.”

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He also advocated for reducing antagonism and confrontation, ensuring security and stability, addressing humanitarian challenges, and enhancing people’s livelihoods in Libya.

Observing that Libya has endured an extended period of civil war and conflict, resulting in a deeply fragmented security structure, the ambassador highlighted how some recent unilateral actions have further destabilized the already delicate security situation. The ambassador urged all Libyan factions to prioritize the nation’s and its people’s interests by staying rational and restrained, adhering rigidly to the ceasefire agreement, implementing agreements made by the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, and collectively working towards preserving their hard-earned peace efforts.

According to the 2020 ceasefire agreement, all foreign forces were supposed to be withdrawn within months; however, it is believed that only a small number have actually departed.

The opposing factions in Libya have persisted in utilizing fighters from African nations, Turkey, Syria, and Russia.