Libya ceasefire: why Haftar refused to sign agreement

Fayez al-Sarraj, the head of Libya’s UN-recognized government in Tripoli, and his rival Khalifa Haftar failed to reach an agreement for a ceasefire.

One of the rivals, Haftar, who requested extra time to review the details, failed to sign the agreement while Al-Sarraj did.

According to reports, the ninth brigade of Tarhuna has been the primary problem for Libya's renegade Gen. Khalifa Haftar as well as the inability to control his militias despite preliminary approval to abide by the cease-fire.

Observers say the commanders of this brigade, who were former fighters of late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime, were the reason why Haftar did not sign the cease-fire agreement with the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli.

If both parties reach the ceasefire agreement Haftars supporters would have to withdraw from Tarhuna city, 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Tripoli, and many of Haftar's commanders are from the city.

Some local media sources said that if Haftar signs the cease-fire, a split will appear in his forces, revealing to international forces his weakening powers.

Pro-Haftar social media accounts would only agree to the ceasefire if the Presidential Council in Tripoli is dissolved.

Walid Ertema, a political analyst, accused the United Arab Emirates of influencing Haftar's decision. He said in a televised interview with Al Jazeera that the UAE chargé d'affaires in Moscow was in contact with Haftar during his stay in Moscow.

Since the ouster of Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates and the other in Tripoli, which enjoys the UN and international recognition.