A joint statement issued by five western states has voiced strong support for the UN Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, and his call for Libya’s leaders to work together toward a binding political settlement.
The statement was issued on Tuesday, by France, Germany, Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom. They expressed their support for a political settlement, that paves the way for national elections and a unified government.
They added that a “consensus-driven process that has buy-in from all sides offers the best path for elections and a future of peace, unity, stability, and prosperity for the Libyan people.”
In his remarks before the Security Council, Bathily voiced concerns over profound governance flaws within Libya, a revelation highlighted by the recent catastrophe in Derna.
He underscored key challenges, including poor maintenance of dam systems, ineffective resource management, and a notable absence of efficient mechanisms to manage natural disasters. Adding complexity to the situation, he emphasized the persistent lack of a unified political decision-making process at the national level.
In his periodic report to the Security Council on Monday, Bathily noted that UN agencies have conducted a preliminary evaluation of the damages in flood-affected areas, outlining immediate requirements and future needs.
Expressing his concerns to the Security Council, he emphasized the growing political divisions, and how this might hinder reconstruction initiatives in Derna and its neighbouring regions.
He pointed to the ongoing disputes among Libyan leaders concerning the jurisdiction and authority over reconstruction projects, especially in the east and west of the country.
He also highlighted the UN’s recommendation to set up a consolidated national platform, to evaluate the extent of the damage and the estimated costs of reconstruction.