Fighting in Libya reignites tensions within European Union

On 11 April, the High Representative Federica Mogherini issued a statement on behalf of the European Union (EU) calling for an immediate ceasefire in Tripoli and the withdrawal of troops by the Libyan National Army (LNA) from the capital city. Fighting continued in Southern Tripoli all throughout the past week, resulting in dozens of casualties as well as the displacements of Tripoli residents. International media reports indicated that the drafting of the EU statement reignited tensions within European state members. Some state members, among which Italy, accused France of attempting to block the EU statement from calling on General Haftar to halt his affiliated forces. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Salvini declared that Italy would not let international actors halt peace initiatives for Libya. French diplomatic representatives responded to the critics saying that France had not attempted to block he statement but had demanded some modifications to include the situation of migrants, he involvement in the fighting of certain groups and individuals under UN sanctions due to terrorist activities, and lastly, the need to find a political solution under UN authority in accordance with previous commitments.