Libya’s long-term political transition is facing new tensions, raising economic pressures and tensions among rival governments that threaten the calm that has been held since the 2020 ceasefire.
Almost 15 years after the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi and the emergence of rival governments in 2014, the country remains divided with its bases in the internationally recognized national unified government (GNU) based in the northwest of Tripoli and the national stability (GNS) in Benghazi in the eastern part of the country.
“Every day, ordinary Libyans face repeated crises, whether economic, security or politics,” Hannah Tette, special representative of the UN Secretary-General of Libyan UN, told the Security Council ambassador on Thursday.
She said most Libyan leaders agreed to the need for an inclusive political process, ending unilateral action, uniting the system and restoring stability. Some believe a new, unified government is the solution, while others argue that the transition can be expanded.
Similarly, there is consensus on holding elections, but opinions differ as to whether constitutional frameworks should precede them.
“The political will for compromise is important to develop a consensual roadmap to resolve the political crisis in Libya and complete the transition. Elections must be integrated into a comprehensive political framework that promotes state construction by unifying and strengthening the system,” Tetteh added.
SRSG Tetteh explains to the Security Council about the situation in Libya due to economic competition
Libyan oil wealth competition is at the heart of political and economic challenges.
“The long-term institutional and political sector, coupled with detrimental unilateral actions and struggles to control resources by privileged minorities, captured the aspirations and needs of the Libyan people,” Tette said.
She warned that excessive spending of Libya’s vast resources could lead to economic collapse if not addressed urgently without a national budget agreement.
“This is despite the fact that the resources of the country can be properly provided for the safety, security and well-being of its citizens.”
Security and human rights challenges
The 2020 ceasefire continues to be held, but Libya’s security environment remains unstable, marked by regular tensions and outbreaks of local violence.
Recent military accumulation and territorial management conflicts in Tripoli have heightened fears about new conflicts.
Arbitrary detention continues to spread among targeted people, along with legal experts and political opponents. Some detainees have been released in both eastern and western Libya, but many have been detained in illegal detention without legitimate proceedings.
The broader human rights situation is also deeply concerned, particularly with regard to the treatment of migrants, refugees and humanitarian workers. Xenophobia and discriminatory rhetoric have further inflamed and put the safety of vulnerable communities at risk.
Women in particular face serious threats, including gender-based violence and limited access to legal or social protections.
Unsmil’s continuous support
Amid the ongoing challenge, Libya’s UN Support Mission (UNSMIL) continues to engage with political actors, civil society representatives and technical experts to support the Libya-led path.
The mission promotes the work of the advisory committee, which was established in February. The committee is tasked with identifying options to resolve controversial election issues and is expected to submit a report on the proposal by the end of April.
UNSMIL also consults economic experts on reform to enhance financial sustainability and transparency.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
At the same time, efforts are underway to enhance communication and information sharing between military authorities in western and western Libya.
International cooperation and political will are essential
Tette also highlighted the importance of international support for Libya’s political and economic recovery.
Libyan leaders continue to tackle the differences, but there is growing awareness that outsiders must work together to support a comprehensive Libyan-led solution to the country’s crisis.
“The international community must work together in a unified plan to promote economic growth and equitable development to support the Democratic state in addressing the basic needs and aspirations of Libyans,” she noted.
“Operations are more harmful than the cost of change.”
