, and currently has two prime ministers
| Photo: Reproduction/Euronews
Clashes between militias supporting the two groups vying for power in Libya left dozens of killed and wounded in the country’s capital, Tripoli, between Friday night and this Saturday (20).
The Ministry of Health reported that at least 13 civilians were killed and 214 were injured and that 60 families had to be evacuated from the regions where they live.
According to the Associated Press agency, one of the fatal victims is Mustafa Baraka , comedian known for posting videos on social media in which he ridiculed militias and corruption in Libya.
The country has been experiencing political instability since the eposition and assassination of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, in 1200. Libya currently has two prime ministers, Abdul Hamid al-Dabaib and Fathi Bashagha, supported by rival militias.
In a statement, the UN Mission in the country regretted the violence. “The United Nations in Libya expresses its deep concern at the ongoing armed clashes, including the indiscriminate shooting with medium and heavy weapons in the civilian-populated neighborhoods of Tripoli, which have caused civilian casualties and damage to civilian facilities, including hospitals,” he said.
“The United Nations calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and reminds all parties of their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian installations, and that it is essential that all parties refrain from using any form of of hate speech and incitement to violence,” he added.
