Special Political Committee
Libya
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Hannah Ferrer-Medina
Forest Hills Eastern High School
Libya has been in disarray since the Arab Spring in 2011. The downfall of Muammar Gaddafi was not only violent, but also has sparked a bloody civil war. From the Second Civil War in 2014 emerged two groups grappling for power: the National Transitional Council (NTC) and the General National Congress (GNC). Originally a part of the NTC, the GNC branched off in early 2014 as a broad group of both Islamists and secular moderates. The NTC on the other hand wanted to establish a government under a constitution, as supported by the UN that September. However, the GNC pulled through in the Second Civil War. They had also held reelections, causing the GNC to become more secular. After a ceasefire between the NTC and the GNC in 2015, the two governments formed the Government of National Accord (GNA). But, the leader of the NTC, General Khalifa Haftar, pulled his support six months in. This was done in conjunction with the NTC pushing against rival forces of the GNC. Haftar and the Libyan National Army banded together to take over the capital of Tripoli. As of now, the GNA is still globally recognized as the official government of Libya.
As much as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) empathizes with Libya, we can not do what is beyond our capabilities to help. DRC also is going through a civil war and cannot fully support the displaced refugees from Libya. Fortunately, DRC is willing to provide support through the UN and through other NGOs.
The most pressing issue through the Libya civil war is the wellbeing of citizens. The health and safety of citizens in this war torn zone is essential, and can be aided through NGOs and other organizations. DRC is willing to at least partially aid for Libya and it’s displaced citizens.
- Hannah Ferrer-Medina
