The Prime Minister of the Libyan Parliament-designated government, Osama Hammad claimed that the United Nations are indirectly undermining Libya’s independence.
He claimed that the UN Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily “pursues biased policies contrary to the desires of the Libyan people.”
Speaking on the 72nd anniversary of Libya’s independence, Hammad states, “While the UN was a supporter of Libya’s independence back then, its current policies, guided by certain international parties, indirectly work against this independence.”
He highlighted that the UN “intervenes in the country’s internal affairs through its current envoy. The UN Mission (UNSMIL) attempts to implement biased policies favouring one side over the other, deepening divisions and fractures, driven by international interests contrary to the Libyan people’s wishes.
He pointed out that “UNSMIL, through some ambassadors and diplomatic envoys from supporting countries, insists on conducting tours and movements within cities, undermining Libyan sovereignty and conflicting with the principle of independence.”
Hammad urged all Libyans to “safeguard their country’s independence from external interventions, emphasising his vision for resolving the current crisis in the nation.”
Notably, Bathily criticized Libyan officials for “clinging to their seats”, urging the UN Security Council to intervene and prevent their failure to serve the Libyan people.
In a briefing to the Security Council, Bathily highlighted the approval of two laws on Presidential elections by the Libyan Parliament. He emphasised that, for the first time since the thwarted elections in December 2021, Libya possesses a constitutional and legal framework for upcoming elections.
Bathily said the High National Electoral Commission (HNEC) is technically prepared, and emphasised the national mood for a new political deal. He cautioned against a group of officials clinging to power, urging action to prevent failure and regional chaos.
Bathily urged building on this progress, and revealed that he invited the top five players in Libya to a meeting. He emphasized their role in either advancing the political process or perpetuating the stalemate, which contradicts the unity desired by ordinary Libyans.
“Rivalry and a lack of trust among leaders contribute to the prolonged crisis, hindering progress towards peaceful elections,” Bathily noted. Some leaders show indecisiveness, hampering efforts to end the stalemate that has inflicted suffering on the Libyan people.
Bathily called for the formation of a unified government, aligning with electoral laws and garnering support from all Libyan citizens. However, he emphasised the significance of electoral law.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.