EU Slaps Sanctions on Unruly Rivals of the New Libyan Government

By April Kent

The European Union has imposed sanctions on three prominent Libyan politicians for opposing a newly formed unity government. The leaders of the new government arrived in Tripoli in late March, in the midst of warnings and an air blockade imposed by hostile armed groups. Although it is backed by the U.S. and European allies, the unity government has faced opposition from rival factions that have made it impossible to establish its authority in the country. The European Union governments waited for months before agreeing to impose sanctions for fear it would derail attempts to make peace between the rival governments. It is hoped that the targeted measures will put the new government in a good starting position and accelerate the process of implementing a contested political agreement.