The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold a session this July, to discuss the developments in Libya. The UNSC is expected to vote on a resolution renewing the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL), which expires on July 31st.
In a report on the expected actions towards Libya this month, the Security Council stated that the decision to renew the mandate of UNSMIL could be included with additional experts on constitutional and electoral issues.
The report also suggested that the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during its 50th session, on July 6th, will hold a fact-finding mission, taking into consideration its report on the human rights situation in the North-African country.
The report indicated that UNSC members can hold a virtual meeting with representatives of civil society to discuss ways to enhance dialogue between the Libyan parties. This can support an inclusive political process that leads to legislative and presidential elections.
On the 10th of February, the Speaker of the Libyan Parliament, Ageela Saleh, announced the unanimous appointment of Fathi Bashagha as the new Prime Minister. However, Al-Dbaiba warned that the appointment of a new interim government could lead to war and chaos in the country. He renewed his pledge to only hand power over to an elected government.
The Spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Stéphane Dujarric, confirmed that the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser to Libya, Stephanie Williams, will remain in her position for the current time. This came in response to an international dispute over her replacement, and the appointment of a new UN Envoy.
Washington is looking to extend UNSMIL for another year, with Williams leading it. The current dispute is escalating between the West and Russia, over the mechanism for selecting a new Envoy.
Last month, Libya’s Parliament-designated Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha, said the UN mandate to reach a pathway to elections has now officially expired.
In a letter sent to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, Bashagha said he will lead all efforts to bring elections to Libya at the earliest possible opportunity
He praised the UN’s tireless efforts over the past 11 years and its assistance in helping build a free and democratic Libya. “However, it is now the time that a Libyan solution be found to bring forth elections, but which must also reforms that guarantee Libyans the quality of life they deserve and demand,” Bashagha added.
He noted his Roadmap to Recovery illustrates the need to focus not only on elections but also on offering a “multi-dimensional solution to the challenges facing Libya.”