New Libyan Unity Government To Disband Armed Groups

Libya’s new unity government authorities hope that militants fighting will lay down their arms soon, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeg told Sputnik.

CAIRO (Sputnik) — Libya’s new unity government hopes that militants fighting in numerous armed groups will lay down their arms and help Tripoli rebuild the nation, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeg told Sputnik.

The UN-backed Presidential Council moved into the Libyan capital in March after the Islamist-led General National Congress in Tripoli gave up power. Its members joined the government’s advisory body while allied militants were left to roam the country freely.

"Let’s not forget that militants fighting in these armed groups are Libyans, and we need their help in building government institutions, not only military ones…We want to work together with everyone," Maiteeg said, adding new authorities planned to isolate and break up these groups.

Libya has been in a political and security vacuum since the 2011 Arab Spring uprising and the ouster of the North African nation’s long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. Last December, a unity government was eventually mediated by the UN between the two rival governments, in Tripoli and Tobruk.