The 'National Unity Government' Arrives in the Libyan Capital

Fayez al-Sarraj, the head of the United Nations-supported government in Libya, arrived in Tripoli, the capital of the country, on Wednesday, April 11. According to Agence France-Presse, Martin Kobler, the UN special representative for Libya, called for a 'peaceful transfer of power according to the plan' to Mr. Sarraj after this event. Fayez al-Sarraj, a former businessman, arrived in Tripoli on a ship escorted by warships from Tunisia. Reuters also reported that seven cabinet members accompanied Mr. Sarraj. Another group claiming authority over Libya in Tripoli and its supporting armed groups had previously warned that Fayez al-Sarraj and his government members should not enter the capital. The airspace over Tripoli had been declared a no-fly zone during certain hours on the previous Sunday and Monday. After arriving in Tripoli, Mr. Sarraj stated that 'establishing a ceasefire across Libya, national reconciliation, and fighting against the Islamic State group' would be his priorities. Libya, located in North Africa, has been in chaos and armed conflict since 2011 when the 42-year rule of Muammar Gaddafi was toppled by a military intervention from an international coalition. In 2014, following internal wars, the victorious group managed to take control of the capital. The disorder and lack of a central government in Libya over the past years have turned the country into one of the main centers for the Islamic State group (ISIS). It was not until December of last year, with the mediation of the United Nations, that the formation of a national unity government was agreed upon in the country. The French Foreign Minister has also announced his country's full support for Fayez al-Sarraj's government and its plans.