Libya Crisis; What Pakistan Can Do? by Tazeen Akhtar

Visit of Libyan Special Envoy can be Considered
War Crimes of Hafter are Condemnable

Libya had been a favorite destination for hundreds of thousands Pakistanis for earning their livelihood when it was a stable peaceful country. Libya and its people welcomed Pakistanis with open arms and warm feelings. Pakistanis worked there with no problem, earned wealth and transformed their lives back in their homeland. Pakistan use to receive huge remittances from Libya. This country of north Africa was known in all cities small and big in Pakistan. If one person of a family was in UAE or Saudia the other was in Libya. This relation proved that both country’s people had very deep sense of respect and allegiance with each other.

In early 2016 , the Government of National Accord (GNA), was established in Tripoli with the backing of the UN and several countries. There were multiple attempts by GNA to negotiate and organise new elections throughout 2017 and 2018.GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj met and spoke with Hafter , in November 2018 and February 2019 but Hafter deviated from his promises every time. Face-to-face consultations with 7,000 Libyans and online consultations with 130,000 Libyans during 20182019, coordinated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, led to a plan to hold the Libyan National Conference in Ghadames during 1416 April 2019 for holding 2019 presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya.

Hafter participated in the dialogue and agreed to the process but attacked Tripoli sabotaging the agreement as soon as the UN Secretary General left Libya. According to the Middle East Institute, the LNA’s offensive against Tripoli has resulted in an increased destabilization of Libya, allowing the local forces of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) to regain some strength in southern Libya.

Hafter forces are committing war crimes around Tripoli.The family of Firas al-Kikli claimed on 11 April 2019 that LNA forces took him prisoner and later killed him. Images of al-Kikli’s mutilated body circulated on social media.

During 1517 April 2019, rocket attacks using inaccurate technology occurred against three densely populated residential areas in and near the Abu Salim area of Tripoli, and were interpreted by Amnesty International (AI) as “unlawful attacks that could amount to war crimes”.

According to World Health Organization, 1000 people has been killed 5000 injured and 120 thousand are missing since Hafter started attacks.

Today’s Libya is struggling to recover from a long civil war . Goverment of National Accord GNA under the leadership of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj is fighting for the well being of the citizens on different internal and external fronts. Inside Libya GNA is defending their country against the dictatorial desires of Mr. Hafter who is cutting a sorry figure after his wishful attempt to seize the capital city Tripoli. He made advances in April this year only after he consented to participate in a national conference aimed at seeking the peaceful solution to crises and paving the way towards parliamentary elections.

Now Hafter is committing war crimes around Tripoli by attacking civilian innocent citizens and other non military installations. Couple of weeks ago Hafter Forces bombarded a building where illegal immigrants were kept leaving more than 70 dead. GNA and UNO condemned this attack. It is a matter of great concern that when GNA is seeking support from international community to evolve a national consensus among different groups, some countries are standing behind Hafter forces to bring more instability and chaos. GNA forces recovered French missiles from Hafter forces. These missiles were supposed not to be used as was agreed upon by all concerned. It is learnt from reliable sources and reports that two main countries of Gulf region are also favoring Hafter that is very unfortunate.

United Nations is backing GNA as the legitimate government of Libya and its leader Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj is working very hard to bring peace and keeping his country united. Turkey, Qatar and other countries are supporting GNA.

Pakistan believes in peace, stability and close relations with Islamic countries. Pakistan cooperates with UNO in maintaining peace in the world. Afghanistan is the example where Pakistan is playing its supportive role for restoration of peace. No doubt Afghanistan is neighbor and Pakistan would be the biggest beneficiary of peace in Afghanistan. Libya is not neighbor but it is brother Muslim country that looks toward strong Muslim countries like Pakistan to use their influence and voice for the people of Libya.

What Pakistan can do is not being a party in this crisis of Libya necessarily. Pakistan can support stability in Libya without favoring any party. Three world organizations UNO, European Union and African Union are backing GNA that means it is the only legitimate governing body in Libya. Pakistan as a responsible member of United Nations can follow the principles and policies set by UNO on Libya. Condemnation of war crimes is the obligation of every civilized country including Pakistan. One group that is attacking and the other is defending against the aggression. They can not be treated equally.

GNA has appointed a special envoy Dr Ali Elsavi to send him to different countries for giving them awareness about the crisis of Libya. He can visit Pakistan to discuss Libyan Crisis. Pakistan can reach to a decision about his visit. What is wrong if Dr Ali Elsavi visits Pakistan and briefs Pakistani officials about the status of the crisis in Libya.

Pakistani authorities are expected to consider the visit positively. Pakistan is highly respected in Muslim world for its constructive role in solving the issues between Muslim rival groups and countries. Allah says when two Muslims are fighting the third Muslim should end the fight between them making them at peace. Pakistan should consider the visit of envoy and see what role Pakistan can play in restoration of peace in Libya. A peaceful flourishing Libya is in the interest of Pakistan. It can open the doors for thousands of Pakistanis who were working there to go back and earn their living there. Libya can reciprocate in many other sectors as well.