The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 535^th meeting held on 18 August 2015, was briefed by the Commission on the situation in Libya. Council also listened to the statement made by the representative of Libya.

Council reiterated the AU’s deep concern of the AU about the prevailing security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Libya. Council called for an immediate end to violence and human rights abuses across the country and underlined the responsibility of all Libyan stakeholders concerned to ensure an unimpeded and secure access to the affected population.

Council also expressed concern about the worsening scourge of terrorism in Libya, in particular the increasing presence of the Islamic State (IS), which is adversely affecting security in the region. Council strongly condemned the terrorist groups operating in Libya and their criminal activities. In this respect, Council recalled the adoption, by the United Nations (UN) Security Council, on 27 March 2015, of resolution 2214 (2015), which called upon the Sanctions Committee, established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), to consider the request for the transfer or supply of arms and related materials to the Libyan Government for use by its official armed forces to combat the IS and its supporters.

Council reiterated its conviction that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Libya. In this respect, Council, once again, urged the Libyan stakeholders to genuinely commit themselves to dialogue, with a view to ending the conflict tearing their country apart. Council renewed its support to the Libyan Political Dialogue, facilitated by the UN, noting with satisfaction the initialling of the Libyan Political Agreement in Skhirat, Morocco, on 11 July 2015, by the majority of the Libyan delegates. Council urged the Libyan stakeholders who have not yet done so to join the Agreement, with a view to facilitating the formation of a Government of National Accord, bearing in mind that only such a Government would be in a position to lay the foundation for the rebuilding of Libya, restore law and order and address the scourge of terrorism, as well as enable Libya to fully play its role in the promotion of regional security and stability.

Council reiterated its appreciation to the countries of the region for their continued involvement in the search for peace, security and reconciliation in Libya, in particular within the framework of the mechanism bringing together Libya’s neighbours. Council welcomed the outcome of the 6^th meeting of Libya’s neighbouring countries, held in Ndjamena, Chad, on 5 June 2015, with the participation of the AU.

Council also welcomed the conclusions of the 4^th meeting of the International Contact Group for Libya (ICG-L), held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 12 June 2015, and reiterated the important role of the ICG-L in ensuring a coordinated international involvement in Libya.

Council stressed the urgency of enhanced efforts for the AU to contribute more effectively to the promotion of lasting peace, security, stability and reconciliation in Libya. In this respect, Council requested the Chairperson of the Commission, on the basis of wide consultations with the Libyan stakeholders, the region and relevant international partners, to submit to it a comprehensive report on the situation, including concrete proposals on the way forward.

 

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