On Friday, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will vote on extending the work of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). It is due to end its periodic mandate on 31 October, according to the Middle East News Agency (MENA).
The agency added that the vote will be followed by a closed meeting at the level of representatives of the UNSC member states, to discuss the work and activity of UNSMIL.
The new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily will talk about the work undertaken in Libya, and the requirements needed to enhance its role.
The mandate of the mission in Libya is renewed every six months, under UN Security Council Resolution No. 2647 issued on 28 July 2022.
Sources at the UN stated that UNSMIL’s duration will be discussed. This will either remain at six months, or increase to one year. The powers of UNSMIL, in terms of supervising any elections will also be considered.
Notably, Bathily arrived in Tripoli, on 14 October, to assume his office as UNSMIL Head.
According to a statement issued by the mission, Bathily said his priority is to “identify a consensual pathway towards the holding of inclusive and credible national elections.” He stressed that “elections should be held as soon as possible, on a solid constitutional framework.”
“Restoring the electoral process will support fostering national unity and stability, and renew the legitimacy of institutions in the country,” he affirmed.
Bathily noted that he will lead the United Nations’ good offices and mediation efforts to reach a sustainable and peaceful Libyan-led and Libyan-owned solution.
“Over the coming days, I will first and foremost engage with all Libyan parties across the country, including civil society, women, and youth groups, to listen to their views on the political, security, and economic situations and hear their vision about the future of their country,” Bathily added.
He also held talks with the Presidential Council, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba and the Parliament Speaker, Ageela Saleh.