On Wednesday, the UN Envoy and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily commended the draft laws crafted by the 6+6 Joint Committee as a positive step forward.
During a subsequent press briefing to the UN Security Council regarding the situation in Libya, he highlighted certain inconsistencies, deficiencies, and technical challenges in the laws, which might obstruct their practical application.
Various actors in Libya, including UNSMIL have underlined the urgent need to refine these laws, making them more implementable. Additionally, the National Election Committee has voiced specific concerns regarding these regulations.
Bathily called upon the Libyan Parliament, the High Council of State (HCS), and the 6+6 Committee to “swiftly rectify these gaps. This is essential to ensure that the elections are conducted freely and transparently.”
He expressed hope that these amendments will be approved by the Parliament in the coming weeks. Once ratified, the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) will announce the election date.
Discussing the broader regional landscape, the Envoy remarked on the indirect impact of the Sudanese crisis on Libya “I visited Sudan, Niger, and Chad last March. The UN mission, in collaboration with the 5+5 Joint Military Committee (JMC), established a liaison committee with Niger, Chad, and Sudan, aiming to withdraw mercenary troops affiliated with these countries from Libya. We were optimistic, but clashes erupted in Sudan two weeks post my visit,” he explained.
There have been alarming movements of armed factions trying to exploit the vulnerable border areas between Libya and Sudan. A notable confrontation occurred recently, when the Chadian military engaged with a rebel group within Libyan territory.
He also expressed unease about Niger’s volatile situation, a country historically influenced by developments in Libya. There’s a discernible expansion of armed groups along the Libyan-Niger border, exacerbating regional tensions. The recent military coup in Niger, causing divisions within its armed forces, poses potential threats to both nations.
In wrapping up, the UNSMIL Head showcased optimism about potential elections in Libya, but remained non-committal on a definitive timeline.