UN envoy calls for more unity in defeating Islamic State in Libya

Two months after its installation in Tripoli, the Libyan unity government has been finding difficulties stabilising the country due to frequent attacks from the Islamic State.

In an effort to remedy this situation, , the UN envoy, Martin Kobler, has urged the warring factions to unite.

“The fight against IS must be first a Libyan fight and second a united fight. I think nobody acting alone would succeed. Thats why its very important and my constant message to all security actors, be them in the west or the east, to unite their forces,” he said.

Officials have also talked about the need to create a national army but say it is first of all important to establish the authority of the unity government frequently challenged by other factions.

“The objective is to comfort this government of national unity which has to assemble all Libyans. If France quickly installs an embassy here that will be a wonderful contribution to the political process,” French Foreign Affairs minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault said.

Libya’s unity government has urged the international community to lift the arms embargo on Libya imposed since 2011. The Unity government believe lifting the embargo will better equip the army in combating ISIS.

The army announced on Tuesday the recapturing of Ben Jawad and Nofliya towns from the hands of the militants.