Libya Confirms Departure Of Some Foreign Fighters

Libya’s foreign minister says some foreign fighters have left the country as the unity government seeks to arrange international help to withdraw the many who remain.

Speaking at a News Conference in Kuwait Najla Mangoush said the start has been modest and that they are seeking a larger and comprehensive organisation for the exit of mercenaries.

Libya’s warring sides, supported by regional powers, remain engrained with allied foreign mercenaries along front lines in defiance of a ceasefire agreement.

Any more significant withdrawal of foreign mercenaries has appeared far off amid arguments over the role of regional forces allied to each side and stumbles in efforts to agree ground-rules for a national election.

There has been little peace or security in Libya since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted Muammar Gaddafi. The country split between warring eastern and western factions in 2014.

Eastern forces were backed by the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Egypt. The previous government in Tripoli, in the west, which was recognised by the United Nations, was supported by Turkey.

The United Nations has said that the warring sides brought in mercenaries, including via Russia’s Wagner group, from Syria, Sudan and Chad among other countries,

The head of Libya’s presidency council said last month it would take part in a conference to ensure “unified, consistent” international support and restore a sense of Libyan leadership and ownership over the country’s future.

But Mohammed al-Menfi also warned of “serious challenges” that could undermine national elections planned for Dec. 24.