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 Moammr Gadhafi 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 recognize the GNA.

He also cited the fighting between forces loyal to the GNA against ISIL in Sirte, “with nearly 699 killed and thousands injured”.

“The risk of increased tensions in the capital should not be underestimated,” the UN envoy added.

“The multiple armed conflicts raging in Libya continue to directly impact the lives of civilians,” Kobler said, adding that between March 1 and August 31 the UN had “documented 287 civilian casualties, including 141 deaths and 146 injuries”.

Source: AFP