The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has stressed the need to maintain security calm in the capital, Tripoli, and to refrain from any provocative actions that could endanger residents and threaten their safety.
In a statement carried by Libya’s Al-Wasat TV on Monday, the mission emphasized the importance of ending the transitional phases and moving toward elections. This comes ahead of the expected announcement by UN Special Envoy Hanna Serwaa Tetteh of a new political roadmap during her upcoming briefing to the UN Security Council on August 21.
Tetteh is set to present a detailed plan aimed at relaunching Libya’s stalled political process, outlining key steps and timelines to advance toward national elections and long-term stability.
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.
