The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has called for strict respect for human rights in Libya amid fresh clashes between militias in the country.

At least 32 people were killed in Saturday’s violence and 159 were injured, raising fears the country could plunge back into full-blown war, according to the country’s Ministry of Health.

It is understood that among the fatalities was Mustafa Baraka, a comedian known for his social media videos mocking militias and corruption.

Emergency services spokesman Malek Merset said Baraka died after he was shot in his chest.

In his immediate response to the violence in the North African country, the African Union chief called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities.

‘The chairperson re-emphasises that the security of civilians is an obligation of the Libyan authorities, and therefore urges strict respect for continental and international humanitarian law and human rights law by all parties’, he said in a statement.

‘The chairperson reiterates the strong commitment of the African Union to intensify support for peace and national reconciliation in Libya, and encourages the parties to work closely towards sustainable peace, stability and prosperity for the Libyan people’.

Dbeibah’s GNU, installed as part of a United Nations-led peace process following a previous round of violence, said the latest clashes in Tripoli were triggered by fighters aligned with Bashagha firing on a convoy in the capital while other pro-Bashagha units had massed outside the city.

Tripoli-based government of National Unity (GNU), under Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and a rival administration under Fathi Bashagha, backed by the eastern-based parliament, are fighting for power in the country.

The GNU said the latest clashes in Tripoli were triggered by fighters aligned with Bashagha firing on a convoy in the capital while other pro-Bashagha units had massed outside the city.

Photo source: Hazem Turkia/Anadolu