During a Security Council briefing, Rosemary DiCarlo emphasized that Libya’s stability remains fragile 14 years post-Gaddafi, hampered by political divisions and economic mismanagement. She called for support for the new UN envoy, underscoring the need to resolve ongoing conflicts and advance towards national elections. The UN Mission is also addressing humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding migrants and internally displaced individuals.
The pursuit of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Libya remains elusive, as articulated by the head of UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, at a recent Security Council meeting. Despite the revolution which ousted the Gaddafi regime 14 years ago, Libya’s fragile stability is jeopardized by deep-seated divisions, economic mismanagement, and ongoing human rights abuses. DiCarlo emphasized that the leaders and security forces are prioritizing personal and political ambitions over the national interest.
DiCarlo urged Security Council members to provide support to the newly appointed UN Special Representative for Libya, Hanna Tetteh. She expressed the urgency of resolving the political stalemate, assisting the Libyan populace in unifying institutions, and facilitating inclusive national elections, amid a backdrop of rivalry between two administrations: the Government of National Unity in the northwest and the Government of National Stability in the east.
The UN Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is striving to re-establish a political process emphasizing inclusion and national ownership. An Advisory Committee, recently formed, comprises 20 members, including legal experts and a significant representation of women. This Committee’s role is to propose solutions for the contentious issues obstructing national elections, reflecting the involvement of various Libyan stakeholders in advancing the political dialogue.
This week, UNSMIL convened the first meeting of the Advisory Committee in Tripoli, aiming to scrutinize contentious issues and consider solutions. The Mission also pursues structured dialogues among Libyans to address the root causes of conflict and devise a collective vision for Libya’s future. Concurrently, consultations among economic experts are ongoing to tackle economic governance challenges.
DiCarlo noted that competition over the control of state institutions continues to shape Libya’s political and economic spheres, obstructing the establishment of a unified budget and spending framework. She highlighted the need to stabilize the financial situation and facilitate equitable public expenditure, given the unresolved disputes within governing bodies like the High Council of State.
Political divisions have hindered advancements in national reconciliation, despite a negotiated draft law facilitated by UNSMIL last December. Recent amendments proposed by legislators have raised concerns about the independence of the National Reconciliation Commission, complicating the reconciliation process. A charter for reconciliation was adopted through African Union-led discussions, yet its acceptance varies among Libyan stakeholders.
The stability of Libya is further threatened by the actions of non-state armed groups. DiCarlo called for investigations into attacks on government officials and signaled the incomplete implementation of the 2020 Ceasefire Agreement as critical issues that need urgent attention to enhance security conditions and reform security institutions.
DiCarlo expressed concerns regarding the increasing incidences of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and the dire conditions faced by migrants and asylum-seekers, including instances of torture. The discovery of mass graves linked to human trafficking underscores the urgent necessity for protective measures for migrants and comprehensive investigations into these crimes.
In light of the ongoing challenges, including the rising numbers of Sudanese refugees requiring assistance, DiCarlo appealed for donor support, emphasizing that a significant financial commitment is needed to meet the humanitarian needs of those fleeing to Libya and throughout the region.
In summary, the UN Security Council has been alerted to the precarious situation in Libya, where ongoing political and economic divisions threaten stability. The priority remains on fostering inclusive political dialogue, addressing humanitarian crises, and bridging divides among stakeholders to facilitate national elections. With external support and effective governance, there remains hope for a united and peaceful Libya.
Original Source: news.un.org
