The Ambassador of Norway to Libya, Thomas Rem Berdal stated that Libya will be at the top of the United Nations (UN) Security Council’s agenda in January, after Norway assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council.
It is expected that the Security Council will discuss the fate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). The mission was extended last September, until the end of January 2022.
Norway joined the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member, along with Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, the United Arab Emirates, India, Ireland, Kenya, and Mexico.
Notably, Libya’s long-awaited elections on 24 December were postponed indefinitely. The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) proposed holding them on 24 January, a month from their scheduled date.
Observers warn that further postponing the elections could drag the country into chaos again, and reignite war. The majority of the country remains under the control of armed militias, with competing agendas.
Calls are now mounting to replace the Interim Government of National Unity (GNU), given that its mandate expired on 24 December. A number of activists have demanded that the government remain, with only Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba being replaced. This is to avoid a power vacuum from occurring.
Foreign Minister, Najla Al-Mangoush stated that the elections are “a means, and not an end.”
“Libyans and the international community must realize that elections are a tool for achieving stability. Stability begins with reconciliation, the establishment of a constitutional basis, and the unification of institutions,” Al-Mangoush added.