The Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General in Libya (SASG), Stephanie Williams said that she had warned that the “political class in Libya was only looking for positions instead of redirecting the country to the elections track.”
This was in an interview with the “Diplomatic Street” program aired on the Al-Arabiya channel, and during her commentary on the protests that swept the country. Williams said that these demonstrations were a reaction to the inability of the political class to agree on the necessary constitutional framework.
Recently, the United Nations announced that the Special Advisor to the Secretary General on Libya (SASG), Stephanie Williams will leave her post in Libya at the end of July 2022.
Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General confirmed Williams’ departure. However, he said the UN is yet to decide on a replacement.
In early July, Libyan cities witnessed several large-scale protests, calling for the downfall of all government bodies and institutions, as well as the departure of mercenaries. They expressed their rejection of the poor living situation, political divisions, and the lack of services.
Libyan activists vowed to continue their protests until “all the ruling elites step down from power.” They asserted that they would escalate their campaign by setting up tents in city squares, and declaring civil disobedience until their goals were achieved.
Notably, former UNSMIL Head, Jan Kubis resigned on 23 November, after 10 months on the job. A number of candidates proposed by UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres have been rejected either by council members, Libya, or neighbouring countries.
Guterres then appointed veteran American diplomat, Stephanie Williams, a former UN deputy special representative in Libya, as his special adviser.