ABSTRACT
Russia demonstrated an increasing interest in Libyan affairs, while competition between France and Italy over the leadership of the mediation process intensified. The inability of the transitional authorities to rebuild state institutions left Libya in a state of transition, exacerbating existing tensions. Libya’s division is reflected in parallel institutions in the east and the west – the National Oil Corporation, the Central Bank of Libya and the Libyan Investment Authority. The establishment of the Government of National Accord in 2015 was a watershed moment for western Libya. The Libyan National Army includes the Saiqa Special Forces, as well as tribal groups in eastern Libya and affiliated militias in southern and western parts of the country. The city of Misrata in western Libya has been a revolutionary stronghold since the beginning of the uprising against Gadhafi. The ongoing conflict in Libya has had major humanitarian consequences.
