The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Abdoulaye Bathily met with diplomats from Sudan, Niger, and Chad. They discussed the latest developments in the country.
In a tweet, Bathily said: “Yesterday at UNSMIL’s office, I received Ambassador of Sudan Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Ahmad; Ambassador of Niger H.Essiq IG Gato; and Chargé d’affaires of Chad Bashir Tribo Aboud. We compared notes on the ongoing crisis in Libya, including on the security dynamics in the sub-region.”
Bathily added that he “expressed the need for neighbouring countries to maximize support for UNSMIL, and the 5+5 Joint Military Commission’s (JMC) efforts in implementing the relevant action plan around the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries.”
The UN envoy noted that the ambassadors affirmed their support for Libya in this regard. During the meeting, Bathily stressed that “solidarity and concerted actions are required to build stability and peace in Libya and further regional integration.”
On Monday, Bathily held a press conference with Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita in Rabat. Bourita affirmed that only elections can solve the Libyan crisis, noting Morocco’s commitment to supporting dialogue between the rival Libyan parties.
Bourita emphasized that Morocco is “supporting the territorial integrity of Libya and that the solution to the dispute should be based on respecting the country’s integrity and sovereignty.”
He also renewed Morocco’s support for inter-Libyan dialogue, affirming the kingdom’s rejection of any foreign interference in the conflict. Bourita reassured Libyans that Morocco will “continue to contribute to the UN-led political process,” stressing that the country “will never take a biased position in the Libyan dossier. “
The Moroccan FM ended his comments by pledging Rabat’s unwavering support of the UN-led political process. “Morocco seeks to upgrade its contributions to the process to see Libyans enjoying legitimate rights, prosperity, and peace without foreign interference,” he vowed.
In turn, Bathily renewed the UN’s commitment to continue to support a solution to the crisis, stressing the importance of re-establishing stability and legitimacy within Libyan institutions.
“Libya has numerous resources that would help create the condition of prosperity in the country,” he said.
Bathily also cited Morocco’s efforts in actively supporting the UN-led political process, by convening rival factions around the negotiating table, in hopes of brokering a compromise-based political solution. He drew attention to Morocco’s mediation efforts by recalling dialogue meetings held in Bouznika and Tangier between 2020 and 2022.
Morocco has hosted several dialogue meetings, bringing together officials from the Parliament and the High State Council (HCS) to discuss a possible consensus on ending the crisis.
Bathily emphasized the need to intensify dialogue between the rival governments. He reassured them that his discussions with partners within the international community – including Morocco – point to a mutual commitment to support for the UN-led political process to end the Libyan crisis.
