Escalation of violence in Libya could torpedo UN-brokered political deal

Rising violence and political strife in Libya threaten to derail the UN-brokered political transition, pushing the country into deeper unrest according to AFP. Since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Libya has struggled with years of internecine fighting. The country remains divided between the UN-recognized government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east, backed by military leader Khalifa Haftar.

While the situation has improved in recent years, clashes periodically erupt between the country’s multiple armed groups. Recent fighting east of Tripoli resulted in nine deaths and last Sunday armed men besieged the Central Bank in an attempt to force the governor’s resignation. The U.S. condemned the actions, warning that such moves could isolate Libya from international financial markets.

Meanwhile, the eastern parliament has challenged the legitimacy of the Tripoli government. Analysts say these moves are aimed at the international community, to force negotiations on a new political settlement. They warn that if political dialogue and mediation fail, Libya could face renewed war.