European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged rival militias fighting in Tripoli to halt their offensive and to turn toward dialogue that could calm the volatile environment in Libya. He spoke as clashes in the Libyan capital drew attention from international partners who have long called for a ceasefire and a path to stable governance. While the immediate violence appeared to ease in recent days, Borrell underscored the obligation under humanitarian law to protect civilians and to spare the population from further harm. He stressed that the current security fragility makes urgent elections essential to secure a durable, inclusive political solution for the country.
The High Representative said he has followed the ongoing struggle with concern and a deep sense of responsibility. In his view, Libyans deserve to live without the fear of crossfire and to see their calls for peace respected and acted upon by all parties involved.
Borrell also reaffirmed strong support for the nationally led mediation efforts steered by the United Nations and its resident coordinator on the ground, Abdoulaye Bathily. The aim of these talks is to advance a political settlement that reflects Libyan sovereignty and the will of the people.
Clashes erupted on Monday following the detention of Mahmoud Hamza, commander of the 444th Combat Brigade, by members of the Deterrence Force, a militia aligned with the internationally recognized unity government. The confrontation highlighted the fragile balance between security institutions and nonstate actors in a country navigating a complex postconflict transition.
Reports indicate that the warring sides appeared to pause hostilities after Hamza was handed over to the Stability Support Authority, a third force described by observers as a neutral stabilizing presence. This development followed intense negotiations, with Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibé present to oversee the process, according to local media outlets. The event underscored the delicate compromises required to prevent further escalation and to create space for formal negotiations under the auspices of international and regional actors dedicated to Libyan unity and sovereignty.
Observers note that the latest episode in Tripoli serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges Libyans face in achieving a lasting peace. Analysts emphasize the need for inclusive dialogue that brings together municipal and national leaders, civil society, and affected communities. The international community continues to urge restraint from all sides while reiterating support for a political track that respects constitutional timelines, security sector reform, and the protection of basic rights for civilians caught in the crossfire. The situation remains fluid, but the international focus remains fixed on a credible process leading to elections and a legitimate government chosen by Libyans themselves.
In keeping with this stance, the European Union aligns with the UN-backed mediation effort and encourages all Libyan parties to refrain from unilateral actions that could derail negotiations. The goal remains clear: foster a stable, peaceful, and inclusive political transition that reflects the will of the Libyan people and safeguards their future. The EU continues to monitor developments in Tripoli closely and to work with international partners to support a durable resolution that can withstand the pressures of destabilization and external interference.