By Libya Herald reporters.
Tripoli, 11 October 2015:
Three months of fighting in and around Kufra between Tebu and Zwai tribes have ended . . .[restrict]with a ceasefire and the removal of a roadblock that has cut Kufra off from virtually all outside supplies.
The bitter conflict which killed 85 people, 60 of them Zwai and injured more than 150 on both sides was brought to a halt thanks to mediation overseen by elders from the Magarha tribe and some unidentified members of the House of Representatives.
The ceasefire came into effect this morning, though there were sporadic gunshots later and continuing fears that the fighting might flare up again.
“We have reached an initial agreement this morning” senior Tebu figure Waduko Worrimi an English teacher and senior Tebu figure told the Libya Herald. He added that there had been mutual promises of good faith in an attempt to push for a lasting peace.
The agreement comes not a moment too soon for the beleaguered population of Kufra. For three months no foodstuffs nor medical supplies have been able to reach the town from the north, because a Tebu blockade of the road. Some 84 trucks have been stuck at the roadblock near Jalu. Shops, pharmacies and clinics have almost run out of everything and banks have received no fresh supplies of cash.
Shortly before the fighting began in earnest, the Tebu had also seized the 3-3 Gate but were pushed out by Zwai fighters.
The deal that went into operation today means that supplies will now be allowed through. The ceasefire will also allow the Tebu to evacuate their wounded. A neutral force is to take over the northern gate and the airport. This is understood to mean units allied to the Libyan army but it is as yet unclear from where they will come. [/restrict]
