posted on 2024-09-05, 22:00authored byKhayreddine Basha
On 4 April, Libya’s capital Tripoli had completed a year since the beginning of the
military campaign by Commander Khalifa Haftar against the internationally
recognized Government of National Accord to seize economic institutions and
political decision-making centres. The operation resulted in a deep humanitarian
disaster (compounded by the deterioration of the country's institutions) and did
not bring any military settlement as fighting continues. However, the
humanitarian cost of the conflict threatens with more escalation since the first
case of the COVID-19 epidemic was recorded in the western region of the country.
Despite international attempts to impose a temporary truce, the continuation of
battles and the intervention of regional actors indicate indifference to the
humanitarian situation.
This paper explores the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on the health and
humanitarian situation in Libya, in the light of the political division of government
institutions, and examines the factors that contribute to the continuation of the
political and military conflict, including the incitement of the dominant
international and regional parties involved in it.
Funding
Default funder
History
Publisher
Arab Reform Initiative
Citation
Basha, K. (2020) 'COVID-19 and a Deepening Conflict Worsen Libya’s Humanitarian Situation', Policy Brief, Arab Reform Initiative