The UN Security Council has been alerted to increasing instability in Libya, with ongoing divisions and governance challenges threatening national unity. Rosemary DiCarlo emphasized the importance of supporting the new UN envoy in breaking the political deadlock. Efforts to establish inclusive dialogue and address economic governance are underway amid pressing human rights concerns and security threats.
The United Nations Security Council has been informed of the increased risks to Libya’s fragile stability, 14 years post-revolution. Rosemary DiCarlo, head of UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, highlighted ongoing divisions, economic mismanagement, and persistent human rights violations that undermine unity in Libya. She emphasized that leaders are prioritizing personal and political competition over national interests, which threatens the country’s stability.
DiCarlo urged the Security Council to back the recently appointed UN Special Representative, Hanna Tetteh, in her mission to break the political deadlock in Libya. The country has been divided between two rival administrations for more than a decade, impeding progress towards governance. Previous elections slated for December 2021 were canceled due to ongoing disputes surrounding candidate eligibility.
Underlining the need for urgent advancements, DiCarlo noted the establishment of an Advisory Committee by UNSMIL, designed to provide recommendations aimed at revitalizing the political process. The committee comprises 20 members, including legal experts, with over one-third being women. She emphasized that although it is not a decision-making entity, its proposals are intended to address barriers to holding national elections.
In its inaugural meeting held in Tripoli last week, the committee reviewed contentious issues affecting the nation. Parallel to this, UNSMIL is attempting to facilitate a structured dialogue among Libyans to address the root causes of conflict and to outline a bottom-up vision for their future. The mission is also working with economic experts to identify solutions for efficient governance.
DiCarlo expressed concerns regarding divisions over control of state institutions, which hinder a unified budget and transparent spending. The Central Bank of Libya requires a stabilized financial environment to support equitable public expenditure. Continuing disputes concerning the presidency of Libya’s High Council of State intensify the existing governance challenges.
Moreover, she identified the politicization of national reconciliation efforts as an impediment to progress. Although an agreement was reached last December among three key institutions on a draft law for national reconciliation, recent amendments have raised concerns about the commission’s independence. A charter for reconciliation was approved through an African Union-led process yet remains supported by only some Libyan stakeholders.
The presence of non-state armed groups continues to pose a security threat, with an armed attack on a Government Minister underscoring the urgency for improved security conditions. DiCarlo called for an independent investigation into this incident and noted that partial implementation of the 2020 Ceasefire Agreement must be reversed by Libyan authorities to enhance overall security and institutional reform.
Further human rights concerns arise from continued arbitrary detentions and the troubling number of deaths in custody, especially affecting migrants facing severe violations. Recent discoveries of mass graves in northeastern Libya highlight the perilous conditions for migrants enduring mistreatment and risks of human trafficking. DiCarlo stressed the necessity for thorough investigations to hold perpetrators accountable.
Engagement with local authorities regarding humanitarian response for Sudanese refugees reflects the growing needs in Libya. The 2025 Sudan Refugee Regional Response Plan intends to support hundreds of thousands, with substantial funding anticipated. She called upon donors to ensure assistance for both Sudanese refugees in Libya and the wider region.
In conclusion, Libya’s stability remains precarious as entrenched divisions and systemic failures hamper progress towards governance and national reconciliation. The establishment of advisory bodies plays a critical role in reviving political processes, yet challenges persist with security threats and economic mismanagement. International cooperation and support for Libyan institutions are essential to establish a unified approach to governance and aid the Libyan people toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
Original Source: news.un.org
