In a significant move to bolster Libya’s political process, Stephanie Khoury, the Acting Head of the United Nations Mission in Libya, held pivotal discussions with Abdul Salam Zoubi, Deputy Minister of Defense. The talks emphasized the essential elements of the political process, focusing on maintaining stability and supporting the unification of military institutions, alongside continued close technical coordination.
Khoury also met with Imad Al-Trabelsi, the Acting Interior Minister of the Government of National Unity, where they reviewed updates on the political process and the crucial elections file. Khouri stressed the urgency of conducting the elections as soon as possible to reinforce Libya’s path towards democratic governance.
During her meetings, Khoury affirmed the need to sustain security and stability, praising the Interior Ministry’s efforts to bolster law and order in Tripoli and other cities, including combating crime and human trafficking.
The discussions also covered various security issues, prominently the challenge of irregular migration and the Interior Ministry’s initiatives to address it, including the voluntary repatriation program for migrants.
In Benghazi, Khoury reiterated to Khalifa Haftar, the Commander of the Libyan National Army, the importance of advancing the political process to create favorable conditions for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
Khoury and Haftar discussed key issues concerning Libya, underscoring the United Nations’ commitment to supporting stability in the nation.
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.
