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Tripoli, Libya

The unity government will bring together the country’s warring factions in a nine-strong council, as per a UN plan. The council had pushed back the deadline for naming the government by 48 hours amidst reports over disagreements surrounding the distribution of ministerial posts. Today, however, the formation of the government was announced.

“This is a sterling opportunity for Libyans to come together to build their country,” said Martin Kobler, special representative of the secretary general and head of the UN support mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

“The formation of the government of national accord is one important leap on the path to peace and stability in Libya.”

Kobler also urged parties to move swiftly towards the next step – approval of the agreement from the House of Representatives in Tobruk and the opposing General National Congress in Tripoli. Both factions are said to be divided over the issue.

Following the Arab spring and ousting of Gaddafi in 2011, Libya was in chaos. It became divided further in 2014 when the internationally recognised government, the House of Representatives, was forced to flee the capital as rebels attacked. The rebels then created a rival government in Tripoli.

The HoR was forced out of Tripoli to Tobruk where they have been operating from ever since, while the rebel’s government, the General National Congress operate out of Tripoli.

The governments signed the UN-backed peace deal in December, which it is hoped will end five years of fighting the country and bolster the fight against Islamic State in the coun