The UN Envoy, and Head of the UN Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily urged security actors in western Libya to work towards achieving long-term stability.
This call was made during a meeting that gathered over 20 representatives from security entities, and armed groups across western Libya.
Bathily emphasised the participants’ role in restoring peace and stability in Libya, healing the wounds of the past, and rebuilding the nation. He stressed that Libya belongs to all Libyans, and should not be hostage to any faction or group of individuals.
The UN Envoy called for the adoption of a vision that “enables the youth to realize their full potential.” He highlighted the importance of providing a better life for the Libyan people after 13 years of conflict and instability,
“UNSMIL has been mandated by the Security Council, Bathily facilitates a Libyan-led and -owned solution and establishes conflict prevention measures, including the unification of security and military institutions,” UNSMIL said in a statement.
The statement added that Bathily “will continue to engage all stakeholders, including security actors from all over Libya, to ensure support for a peaceful resolution to the current stalemate and restore the electoral process.”
Last week, the Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba defended the presence of armed militias in Libya. He described them as “sons and pride of the Libyans who defended their honour and sanctities in the streets, against the aggressors and those who seek to sabotage Libya.”
Dbaiba stated in a podcast interview, “It is clear that the Libyan people have had enough of new transitional governments, and we want to move towards stability with fair laws that do not exempt anyone in Libya, ensuring equality for all Libyans. We want to enter elections after establishing fair laws, then we will discuss with a new parliament the formation of a new government to hand over power. I reject handing over power to any temporary government.”
He affirmed that the militias in Libya have entered the military and security sectors over the past two years. He claimed that “those who say they are rogue forces are dreaming about their past actions, that all militias have surpassed.”
Dbaiba added that weapons have been widespread in Libya since 2011. “We do not blame anyone who owns a weapon today. Militias may pose a threat to Libya or may not.”
He further explained that the militias have started training in weapons, and dealing with citizens in the police and army. “We are patient with them because they are our sons, and we cannot abandon them. They were initially built on a militia basis, but today they have become an important part of Libya’s security.”
“We lead them, and they respect our orders, follow the Libyan army and the Chief of Staff, and listen to the Supreme Commander and the Minister of Defence,” he said.
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.