Stephanie Khoury, the Acting Head of the United Nations Mission in Libya and Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs, met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat on Monday.
According to a statement on the official page of the UN mission, Khoury and Bourita discussed strategies to propel the political process in Libya towards elections. They emphasized the crucial role that regional actors play in supporting the efforts of the United Nations mission.
The Acting Head of the UN Mission in Libya also praised Morocco’s efforts in facilitating previous Libyan agreements.
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.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
