The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, recently addressed the Security Council, providing an update on Libya’s political, security, and economic developments.
The report highlighted significant progress made towards achieving inclusive Presidential and legislative elections.
Guterres emphasised the ongoing engagement with Libyan actors to establish a consensual pathway for the elections. The 6+6 Joint Committee, comprising members from the Libyan Parliament and the High State Council (HCS), successfully finalized the constitutional and legislative framework for the elections during their work in Bouznika, Morocco.
“UNSMIL played a crucial role, offering expertise in electoral, constitutional, and gender matters throughout the process,” he added.
The report noted that on 7 June, UNSMIL acknowledged the outcomes of the 6+6 Committee’s work, and stressed the importance of broader support from Libyan institutions and stakeholders. The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) called for amendments to the draft laws before their final approval by the Parliament.
Eventually, on 25 July, the Parliament approved the draft electoral laws, and a roadmap for the selection of a new interim government, including a Prime Minister. The documents were subsequently referred to the HCS for voting.
Guterres also highlighted concerns regarding the diversion of funds and the non-delivery of services by the Government of National Unity (GNU). In response, a high committee on financial oversight was established by the Presidential Council to ensure transparency, and the fair distribution of resources.
“This step aimed to address threats relating to the control of hydrocarbon revenues, and warnings regarding the equitable distribution of public funds,” the report noted.
The report further mentioned that while the overall security situation in Tripoli and the western region remained tense, the GNU launched operations to combat illicit trafficking along the western Coastal Road. Sporadic clashes between armed groups occurred in Tripoli, while relative stability was observed in eastern Libya.
However, southern Libya faced challenges due to organized crime and clashes between criminal networks and the Libyan National Army (LNA). The conflict in Sudan also raised concerns about potential spillover effects in Libya.