Libya’s Minister of Local Governance, Badr Al-Din Al-Toumi, met on Thursday with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, to discuss cooperation in advancing decentralization and strengthening local governance.
The meeting addressed key challenges faced by municipal councils, focusing on enhancing collaboration between the ministry and international organizations to support municipalities and improve service delivery mechanisms.
Both sides emphasized the importance of municipal elections as a fundamental part of Libya’s decentralization process. The UN envoy praised the ministry’s efforts in supporting municipal elections and stressed the need for continued cooperation to ensure the successful completion of the second phase of elections, reinforcing stability and development in Libya.
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.
