The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has renewed its commitment to backing national efforts to combat organized crime and strengthen the rule of law, as security challenges linked to drug trafficking networks and other illicit activities continue to threaten stability across the country.
The statement was made during an official event held in Tripoli to launch a regional report on drug trafficking in Libya and North Africa. The event brought together senior judicial officials as well as representatives of local and international bodies involved in counter-crime initiatives.
Organized Crime a Strategic Threat
Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, the UN Resident Coordinator and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, said drug trafficking is no longer merely a criminal activity but a wide-ranging strategic threat with direct implications for the rule of law and social peace. She warned that the trade plays a key role in financing actors operating outside state authority, undermining public institutions and fueling cycles of insecurity.
She stressed that illicit economies weaken state sovereignty, erode institutional legitimacy, and contribute to regional instability by enabling cross-border criminal networks to expand their influence.
Report Responds to International Calls
The UN official explained that the regional report was prepared in response to repeated calls from international stakeholders, including the UN Security Council, for evidence-based assessments of organized crime patterns and trafficking routes in Libya and the wider region.
She noted that focusing on drug trafficking as one of the most prominent criminal economies allows for a deeper understanding of how illegal networks interlink, exploit security and institutional fragility, and generate financial and political leverage.
Need for a Comprehensive and Coordinated Approach
Tetteh emphasized that the continued activity of organized crime groups places growing pressure on Libyan state institutions, making it essential to adopt comprehensive national and international responses. These should be built on coordination, intelligence sharing, capacity-building for law-enforcement agencies, and preventive measures that address the root causes of criminal activity.
She underlined that strengthening the rule of law remains the cornerstone of any sustainable strategy, calling for robust institutions capable of protecting society and ensuring long-term stability.
Praise for Judicial Leadership
In closing, the UN official commended the Office of the Attorney General for its leadership in judicial efforts against organized crime and for hosting the event. She reaffirmed the United Nations’ continued support for all initiatives aimed at combating criminal networks and reinforcing security and stability throughout Libya.