Addis Ababa, 17 February 2020:  The AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smaïl Chergui, launched the AU Inter-Departmental Task Force on Libya composed of different departments of the African Union Commission (AUC) to support the implementation of the decisions of Heads of State and Government. The meeting comes on the heels of the Peace and Security Council Summit, the 33^rd AU Assembly and the International Follow-up Committee on Libya (IFCL) meeting held in Munich on 16^th February 2020.

In line with the recommendations of the trilateral meeting held in Addis Ababa on the 8^th of February 2020 between the Chair of the AU High-level Committee on Libya, H.E. President Sassou Nguesso, United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the Chairperson of the AUC Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Inter-Departmental Task Force will be in continuous interaction with the UN and monitor the developments in Libya, in particular, the talks around the ceasefire, the Libyan political Forum, prepare the participation of the AU in the different subcommittees as outlined by the Berlin Conference communiqué and work closely with the AU High-level Committee to prepare for the inter-Libyan reconciliation dialogue. In addition, the Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) was charged to begin preparations for the deployment of a multidimensional mission once a ceasefire agreement is reached between the Libyan parties.

The situation in Libya remains a priority for the African Union, and the Commission looks forward to working with its Member States to ensure a full engagement and to promote a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned durable solution to the crisis. 

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