On Saturday, the British Embassy in Libya reiterated the need for “compromise from all actors to advance the political process and fulfil Libya’s potential.”
In a statement on the 12th anniversary of the 17 February Revolution, the British Embassy voiced its unwavering support for “all efforts toward building a future for Libya that delivers lasting peace and stability for all Libyans.”
In a related context, the UN Support Mission to Libya (UNSMIL) said that the past twelve years were “marred by a crisis that affected all Libyans, and the affirmation of a popular aspiration for democracy, peace, and justice.”
In a statement, UNSMIL stated that “those aspirations have yet to be realized – and, as the country has stalled in a state of continuous transition, daily life – in many ways – remains difficult for people.”
“The economy is unstable. Basic services like water and electricity aren’t reliably delivered, and healthcare is under-resourced. Judicial processes are stalled, and human rights aren’t respected amidst security concerns. People are losing patience,” UNSMIL noted.
“It is still possible to achieve people’s aspirations and lasting peace. Libya’s leaders must put the country’s interests above their own, end this political impasse, and empower the people to choose their own leaders in 2023 through inclusive elections,” it concluded.
Notably, Friday marked the 12th anniversary of the 2011 uprising. Many cities witnessed major celebrations and in the capital, Tripoli, residents took to the streets to celebrate, with squares decorated with national flags and lights.
The anniversary of the uprising comes amid the continuing political stalemate, and government division since elections could not be held in December 2021.
The country has split in two in the chaos that followed the civil war, each backed by different rogue militias and foreign governments.
The UN Special Envoy for Libya warned that “signs of partition are already evident and urged influential nations to pressure Libya’s rival leaders to urgently finalize the constitutional basis for elections.”
On 17 February 2011, Libya descended into a series of protests, part of the wider Arab Spring. The subsequent uprising and civil war overthrew Colonel Moammar Gaddafi’s 42-year reign, with the aid of NATO.
A coalition including France, Britain, and the United States launched the first strikes against Gaddafi’s forces under the pretext of a United Nations resolution to protect civilians on 19 March. NATO assumed control of the air campaign over Libya on 31 March.
