On Sunday, the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, met with Stephanie Khoury, Acting Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), and her delegation at the LNA General Command headquarters in Benghazi.
Haftar expressed his strong support for the UN mission’s efforts to advance the political process in Libya and achieve consensus solutions that pave the way for presidential and parliamentary elections. He emphasized the importance of these efforts in fostering political progress and stability in the country.
During the meeting, Khoury reaffirmed the UN mission’s commitment to creating the right conditions for elections. She mentioned that UNSMIL is actively engaged in further discussions and consultations to propel the political process forward. The UN diplomat also acknowledged the pivotal role of the LNA’s leadership in the UN-facilitated political process aimed at achieving lasting stability in Libya.
Libya has faced ongoing turmoil since the 2011 uprising that ousted long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country has struggled with political instability, armed conflict, and divided governance, with rival administrations in the east and west vying for control. The UN has been working tirelessly to mediate between the factions and facilitate a unified, democratic government through elections.
The visit by Stephanie Khoury comes at a critical juncture as Libya seeks to move towards national elections, which are seen as a necessary step to end the protracted conflict and division. The support of key military and political leaders like Haftar is essential for creating a stable environment for these elections.
The road to elections in Libya is fraught with challenges. Political fragmentation, ongoing violence, and the presence of various armed groups complicate the process. Ensuring a fair and free election requires addressing security concerns, logistical challenges, and political disagreements among Libya’s factions.
