The ongoing deadlock in Libya poses a threat to the country’s future, according to the Security Council.
Abdoulaye Bathily urged ambassadors in the Security Council to prioritize the greater good, engage in sincere negotiations, and come to a consensus on a united government. It is crucial to also guarantee that national elections take place in order to prevent the country from descending into chaos.
He urged them to use their moral obligation to negotiate and come to a compromise in order to restore the honor of their country.
Their reluctance to take action raises doubts about their dedication to the elections, as well as the unity and future of their country. As a result, they should be held responsible for their actions.
Prolonged impasse
Since the delay of national elections originally scheduled for December 2021, Libya has continued to struggle with a severe crisis.
Adding to the complexities is the reality of two rival administrations, with the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) based in Tripoli and the Government of National Stability (GNS) in the east.
In November 2023, Special Representative Bathily extended an invitation to the leaders of the five main institutions involved in the conflict – the Government of National Unity, the House of Representatives, the High Council of State, the Libyan National Army, and the Presidency Council – in an effort to resolve the deadlock.
“I maintained my involvement with those key participants, seeking their insight,” he stated, but noted that none have shifted from their original stances.
“Mr. Bathily stated that each party is still stating their conditions for joining the discussion in order to keep things the way they are, which appears to benefit them,”
Pre-conditions for talks
According to Mr. Bathily, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Agila Saleh, believes that the most important matter is the creation of a united government. He also stated that Mr. Saleh’s involvement would depend on both governments being included or completely left out.
HSC President Mohamed Takala remains firm in his refusal of the electoral laws released by the HoR and urges for a renewed focus on the original version of the document.
The Prime Minister of GNU, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, affirms that he will not resign until after elections are held. This ensures that the GNU will oversee the upcoming electoral proceedings.
Khalifa Haftar, leader of the LNA, maintains that the GNU and GNS must either be included or excluded from the negotiations.
According to Special Representative Bathily, the President of the Presidential Council (PC), Mohamed al-Menfi, does not want to be perceived as biased. However, he is ready to serve as a mediator to back up my proposal, as stated to the ambassadors.
The Security Council meeting was briefed on the state of affairs in Libya by Abdoulaye Bathily, the Special Representative and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), who appeared on-screen.
in ensuring Middle East’s
The Security Council plays a crucial role in ensuring stability in the Middle East.
Mr. Bathily restated the UN’s willingness to review suggestions that could result in a resolution based on a nonviolent and all-encompassing agreement.
He emphasized the crucial role of the Security Council and the global community in exerting pressure on Libyan leaders to participate in constructive engagement.
He emphasized the significance of alignment and support from partners within the region.
Parallel initiatives can be beneficial only if they align with UN efforts, otherwise they may be utilized by Libyan individuals to maintain the current situation.
Security, humanitarian situation
The ambassadorial briefing from the Special Representative and leader of UNSMIL included updates on the current humanitarian and human rights conditions in Libya. They highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by migrants and asylum seekers, as well as an influx of refugees from Sudan.
According to reports, numerous Chadian mercenaries and foreign fighters have come back to Chad from Libya, but the security situation in southern Libya is still concerning due to the ongoing issues in Sudan and the large Sahel area.
The security situation in the capital city of Tripoli is still unstable, with various security actors vying for control over key areas where military bases and government institutions are situated, according to Mr. Bathily.
Special Envoy Bathily providing updates to the Security Council through a video connection.
Source: news.un.org
