Pledge of Reconciliation Between the Cities of Zawiyyah and al-Zintan

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Country/entity: Libya
Region: Middle East and North Africa
Agreement name: Pledge of Reconciliation Between the Cities of Zawiyyah and al-Zintan
Date: 10 May 2018
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/local conflict
Libyan Conflicts (1969 - 1994) (2011 - )
Agreements relate to two distinct conflict dyads.
Libya-Chad. Since the 1970s, Libya under Colonel Muammar Gaddafi had a tense relationship with its neighbour Chad, predominantly focused on the resource-rich Aouzou Strip in northern Chad. Libyan claims of the Aouzou Strip were held in an un-ratified treaty between France and Italy in 1935, similarly Chadian claims of the Strip were argued with support of a 1955 treaty between Libya and France. In 1973, Libya effectively annexed the Strip to gain access to natural resources. This spurred cross-border clashes between 1979 until 1987 until escalated to a brief war known as the Toyota War, wherein Chadian government troops succeeded in repelling Libyan forces. A brief and repeatedly violated ceasefire was held from 1987-88, followed by a series of unsuccessful negotiations, until an International Court of Justice ruling in 1994, which granted sovereignty of the Strip to Chad.

Libya post-Gaddafi. Gaddafi’s downfall following the Libyan Civil War in 2011-2012, led to several factions fighting for the country’s leadership. Since 2013, the country effectively split into three entities, with the National Army controlling the east including the city of Benghazi, and the New General National Congress and their militias such as the Golden Dawn controlling the northwest including the capital of Tripoli. Significant portions of the country in the south-west are currently held by Tuareg forces. The civil war and chaos continued into 2014 as the General National Congress refused to disband after the expiry of its mandate, resulting in eruption of mass protests. The UN efforts continue to broker peace between the Libyan Army and the Libya Dawn factions, and a partial ceasefire was declared in January 2015. A new interim-government (Tunisia-based) called ‘Government of National Accord’ is formed with the backing of UN despite the refusal of the other forces to recognise its authority and arrived to Tripoli with the UN in 2016. A state of emergency was declared by the UN backed government amid clashed between rival militia in Tripoli’s southern suburbs. Since April 2019 there has been sustained fighting between the Libyan National Army and the UN-backed government in Tripoli as the Libyan National Army aims to seize Tripoli.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Inter-group
Peace process: Libyan local processes
Parties: The Head of the Local Council of the City of Zawiyah, [SIGNED]
The Mayor of the Municipality of Al Zintan, [SIGNED]
The Head of the Shura, Elders, and Sheikhs of Zawiyah, [SIGNED]
The Head of the Social Committee of the City of Al Zintan, [SIGNED]
The Commander of the Military Operations Room in Zawiyah, [SIGNED]
The Head of the Military Council in the City of Al Zintan, [SIGNED]
The Head of the Families of the Martyrs Organization in Zawiyah, [SIGNED]
The Head of the Martyrs Association in the City of Al Zintan, [SIGNED]
Third parties: -
Description: 15-point agreement iterates reconciliation and multiple principles of the Libyan state based on the constitutional declaration of 2011. In addition, agreement provides for (1) security sector reform; (2) return of IDPs; (3) end to crime and smuggling; (4) placing qualified individuals in positions of power; (5) right to free movement, property and trade.

Agreement document: LY_180510_Reconciliation Deal between Zintan and Zawiyya_EN.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
Agreement document (original language): LY_180510_Reconciliation Deal between Zintan and Zawiyya_AR.pdf (opens in new tab)| Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Rhetorical
Page 1, 1. Confirming and working to return the forcibly displaced and IDPs to their cities and areas
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: Page 3, signatories, The Head of the Families of the Martyrs Organization in Zawiyah, [SIGNED]

State definition

Nature of state (general): Page 1, Untitled preamble, We, the people of the two cities, out of love to our country and an understanding of the danger of this period, as a part of the efforts needed from us, in order to unify the people, bridge the gaps, and bring about peace and stability, in confirmation of the first part of the constitutional declaration, which states that Libya is an independent democratic state where the Libyan people are the source of authority, and Islam is their religion, and Islamic shariah is their law, in completion of the efforts to communicate that were expended in the past by the people of the two cities, which culminated in the first meeting in the city of Al Zintan, are holding the second meeting in the city of Zawiyyah under the slogan of Zawiyyah and Al Zintan, Towards Reconciliation and Growth. This second meeting is the real beginning of reconciliation and stability for the two cities and the rest of the country, and it shall be a pillar of social peace and sustainable development for generations to come, with Allah’s help and support. The people of the two cities announce, in this code of conduct and reconciliation agreement, the following:

Page 1, 5. Adhering to the principles of the February 17th Revolution and defending it.

Page 1, 6. The peaceful transfer of power
State configuration: Page 1, 2. Libya is one nation and we will never accept its division or any ambitions on its territory

Page 1, 7. The unification of the institutions of the state, including the army and the police, and the loyalty of these institutions be to Allah, then Libya, under the supervision of a civilian authority
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
Page 1, 7. The unification of the institutions of the state, including the army and the police, and the loyalty of these institutions be to Allah, then Libya, under the supervision of a civilian authority
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: Page 2, signatory: The Head of the Shura, Elders, and Sheikhs of Zawiyah, [SIGNED]
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Freedom of movement
Page 2, 15. The freedom of movement, ownership of property, and trade between the people of the two cities
Socio-economic rights: Human rights and equality→Socio-economic rights→Property
Page 2, 15. The freedom of movement, ownership of property, and trade between the people of the two cities

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Page 1, 8. Building a culture of forgiveness, tolerance, and national reconciliation, and strengthening this culture, through the various forms of media, and supporting visits between the people of these cities
Mobility/access: Page 2, 15. The freedom of movement, ownership of property, and trade between the people of the two cities
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: Page 1, Untitled preamble, ... We, the people of the two cities, out of love to our country and an understanding of the danger of this period, as a part of the efforts needed from us, in order to unify the people, bridge the gaps, and bring about peace and stability, in confirmation of the first part of the constitutional declaration, which states that Libya is an independent democratic state where the Libyan people are the source of authority, and Islam is their religion, and Islamic shariah is their law, in completion of the efforts to communicate that were expended in the past by the people of the two cities, which culminated in the first meeting in the city of Al Zintan, are holding the second meeting in the city of Zawiyyah under the slogan of Zawiyyah and Al Zintan, Towards Reconciliation and Growth. ...

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
Page 2, 13. Contributing to achieving social and economic development and ensuring that qualified and specialized individuals are put in positions of power in the Libyan state
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: Page 2, 15. The freedom of movement, ownership of property, and trade between the people of the two cities
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 1, 4. Not resorting to arms and violence, or threats of violence, and resorting to dialogue to resolve any conflict or dispute
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: Page 1, 7. The unification of the institutions of the state, including the army and the police, and the loyalty of these institutions be to Allah, then Libya, under the supervision of a civilian authority
Armed forces: Page 1, 7. The unification of the institutions of the state, including the army and the police, and the loyalty of these institutions be to Allah, then Libya, under the supervision of a civilian authority
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: Page 1, 11. Fighting against extremism and organized crime, especially smuggling, in all of its forms
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: Page 1, 11. Fighting against extremism and organized crime, especially smuggling, in all of its forms

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: Page 3, signatories, The Head of the Families of the Martyrs Organization in Zawiyah, [SIGNED]
The Head of the Martyrs Association in the City of Al Zintan, [SIGNED]
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: Page 1, 3. Reiterating the importance of holding Libyan-Libyan dialogue inside Libya

Page 1, 8. Building a culture of forgiveness, tolerance, and national reconciliation, and strengthening this culture, through the various forms of media, and supporting visits between the people of these cities

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: Page 2, 12. Forming a joint committee between the two cities to look into the unresolved issues and working to resolve them
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Announcement of National Reconciliation between the two Libyan cities of al-Zintan and al-Zawiyyah, Youm7, 11 May 2018, https://www.youm7.com/story/2018/5/11/الإعلان-عن-مصالحة-وطنية-بين-مدينتى-الزنتان-والزاوية-الليبيتان/3788167

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Pledge of Reconciliation Between the Cities of Zawiyyah and al-Zintan

All praises be to the Lord of the worlds, by Whose favor work is completed, and with Whose guidance efforts are successful, and peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, and his companions.

In adherence to His verse:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.

And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers.

And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it.

Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.” (

Quran, 3:103)

And in implementation of the saying of the Prophet:

“The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body.

When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever."

We, the people of the two cities, out of love to our country and an understanding of the danger of this period, as a part of the efforts needed from us, in order to unify the people, bridge the gaps, and bring about peace and stability, in confirmation of the first part of the constitutional declaration, which states that Libya is an independent democratic state where the Libyan people are the source of authority, and Islam is their religion, and Islamic shariah is their law, in completion of the efforts to communicate that were expended in the past by the people of the two cities, which culminated in the first meeting in the city of Al Zintan, are holding the second meeting in the city of Zawiyyah under the slogan of Zawiyyah and Al Zintan, Towards Reconciliation and Growth.

This second meeting is the real beginning of reconciliation and stability for the two cities and the rest of the country, and it shall be a pillar of social peace and sustainable development for generations to come, with Allah’s help and support.

The people of the two cities announce, in this code of conduct and reconciliation agreement, the following:

Reiterating what was stated in the closing statement that was issued by the first meeting in Al Zintan between the two cities, which was held on 17 April 2018

Libya is one nation and we will never accept its division or any ambitions on its territory

Reiterating the importance of holding Libyan-Libyan dialogue inside Libya

Not resorting to arms and violence, or threats of violence, and resorting to dialogue to resolve any conflict or dispute

Adhering to the principles of the February 17thRevolution and defending it

The peaceful transfer of power

The unification of the institutions of the state, including the army and the police, and the loyalty of these institutions be to Allah, then Libya, under the supervision of a civilian authority

Building a culture of forgiveness, tolerance, and national reconciliation, and strengthening this culture, through the various forms of media, and supporting visits between the people of these cities

Unifying the visions of the people to serve the country and contribute to solving its crises

Confirming and working to return the forcibly displaced and IDPs to their cities and areas

Fighting against extremism and organized crime, especially smuggling, in all of its forms

Forming a joint committee between the two cities to look into the unresolved issues and working to resolve them

Contributing to achieving social and economic development and ensuring that qualified and specialized individuals are put in positions of power in the Libyan state

Respecting all of the pledges and agreements that were signed by the two cities

The freedom of movement, ownership of property, and trade between the people of the two cities

This is what we have agreed upon and committed to, and may Allah guide us to success.

Peace be upon you.

Written in the city of Zawiyah on Thursday, 24 Sha’ban 1439 Hijri (10 May 2018)

The Signatories to the Pledge of Reconciliation

The Head of the Local Council of the City of Zawiyah

The Mayor of the Municipality of Al Zintan

[SIGNED]

The Head of the Shura, Elders, and Sheikhs of Zawiyah

The Head of the Social Committee of the City of Al Zintan

[SIGNED]

The Commander of the Military Operations Room in Zawiyah

The Head of the Military Council in the City of Al Zintan

[SIGNED]

The Head of the Families of the Martyrs Organization in Zawiyah

The Head of the Martyrs Association in the City of Al Zintan

[SIGNED]