On Thursday, the United Nations (UN) Special Representative for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, addressed the UN Security Council. He emphasised the urgent need for Libya’s political factions to reach a consensus to facilitate credible elections and prevent the country from descending into further chaos.
Bathily urged Libyan leaders to transcend personal gains and engage in genuine negotiations for the establishment of a unified government and the progression toward national elections.
Libya has been engulfed in a protracted crisis following the delay of national elections initially scheduled for December 2021. The crisis has ben exacerbated by the existence of two rival administrations: the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and the Government of National Stability (GNS) in the East.
In an effort to break the political deadlock, Bathily convened representatives from Libya’s key institutions in November 2023, including the GNU, House of Representatives, High Council of State, Libyan National Army, and the Presidency Council. Despite these discussions, there has been little progress, with each faction maintaining its conditions for participation in the dialogue.
The UN Special Envoy underscored the UN Security Council’s vital role in encouraging Libyan leaders to participate constructively in the peace process. He also highlighted the necessity of regional support to reinforce UN initiatives and warned against any actions that might perpetuate the current stalemate.
Bathily also provided an update on the humanitarian situation in Libya, pointing out the plight of migrants and the recent influx of refugees from Sudan. He raised concerns about the security situation in southern Libya and Tripoli, exacerbated by the presence of foreign fighters and internal strife.
This call to action by the UN Special Envoy underscores the urgent need for a collaborative approach to overcome Libya’s political impasse and steer the country towards stability and democratic governance.
