Why are migrants being killed in Libya?
The Stream discusses an attack on a detention centre for migrants, the battle for Tripoli, and how to end the country’s war.
Migrants caught in Libya’s conflict
In Libya, questions still surround a July 3 air attack near Tripoli that destroyed a migrant detention centre and killed at least 50 detainees and wounded 130 others. A UN special envoy to Libya said the attack could constitute a war crime. The incident is believed to be one of the most fatal cases of civilian deaths since rebel forces led by General Khalifa Haftar launched a military offensive in April to seize the capital Tripoli. In what ways will the July 3 incident change the conditions faced by migrants in Libya?
Battle for Tripoli
For the past three months, Libya’s two rival governments have been fighting for control of the capital city Tripoli. More than 1,000 people have been killed, according to the UN. Tripoli is currently controlled by the UN-recognised Government of National Accord, which receives support from Turkey and Qatar. From Libya’s east, rogue commander General Khalifa Haftar and his self-declared Libyan National Army has been advancing on the city with a ground and air offensive backed by the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The fighting is thwarting peace attempts, and on Friday the UN called for a ceasefire. How is the ongoing conflict impacting the lives of people in the country?
No end in sight to Libya’s war?
After eight years of civil war, why has it been so difficult to end the conflict in Libya? Since 2014, the war has been shaped by Libya’s two competing governments – each backed by international powers, regional powers and local militia groups. In April, the battle over Tripoli forced the postponement of a national conference aimed at unifying the country and setting a date for new elections. In this segment, we’ll discuss solutions to Libya’s war and ask whether a political solution is still possible.
On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Sam Turner
Head of Mission Libya, Médecins Sans Frontières
doctorswithoutborders.org
Abdulkader Assad, @abd0Assad
Senior Writer, The Libya Observer
libyaobserver.ly
Claudia Gazzini, @ClaudiaGazzini
Senior Analyst, International Crisis Group
crisisgroup.org
What do you think? Record a video comment or leave your thoughts below.
Read more:
Survivors of deadly air attack in Libya demand evacuation – Al Jazeera
UN says death toll from Libya fighting passes 1,000 – AP
Op-ed: Is a military solution the only option left in Libya? – Al Jazeera