The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is facing mounting criticism from the Libyan public, who increasingly view its presence as an obstacle rather than a catalyst for political progress.
A recent investigation by Libyan Express revealed deep dissatisfaction among citizens regarding UNSMIL’s effectiveness, according to Italy’s Agenzia Nova. Many accuse the mission of being disconnected from Libya’s realities, with no visible improvements in daily life or governance.
Public anger came to a head during recent protests outside UNSMIL’s headquarters in Tripoli, where demonstrators called for the mission’s immediate departure. Protester Ramadan Khaled told reporters, “The UN mission is part of the problem, not the solution. It must change course or leave.”
Another citizen, Fawziya Ben Ali, criticised the mission’s activities as limited to “endless meetings, foreign trips, and statements that achieve nothing.” Political analyst Dr Ibrahim Mohammed echoed these concerns, noting the lack of innovation and clear timelines in the mission’s proposals.
UNSMIL recently announced the creation of a 20-member Libyan advisory committee, claiming it would provide a national voice for future political solutions. The committee’s recommendations were made public in May. However, many Libyans see this as an insufficient gesture in the face of a deepening crisis.
The country remains polarised between two rival governments: the Tripoli-based GNU led by Abdulhamid Dbaiba , and the eastern administration led by Osama Hammad, appointed by the House of Representatives.
In this context, public trust in UNSMIL appears to be eroding rapidly. Libyans are calling for concrete action, a clear political roadmap, and international support that truly reflects their aspirations for sovereignty, elections, and democratic transition.
