Libya rival factions agree to hold general elections in 2018

Libya will hold elections in 2018. Conflicting factions in the country agreed to hold presidential and parliamentary elections by February next year.

The head of the UN backed Government of National Unity, Fayez al-Sarraj and rival Libya army commander, Khalifa Haftar participated in two-day negotiations held in Cairo.

Following the talks brokered by Egypt, an Egyptian spokesperson, Mohamed Samir, said that both Haftar and Sarraj agreed to adopt a statement including the plans to hold elections in 2018 among other provisions.

According to media reports, attempts by the rival governments to reach a peace settlement however failed after Haftar refused to meet Sarraj, prompting Sarraj to fly back to Tripoli.

The north African country was thrown into turmoil in 2011 when its former long time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed.