Libya’s political process is regaining momentum, but opportunities for action are narrowing, the UN envoy warned

The country’s current standoff pits the UN-recognized Government of National Unity in the capital Tripoli against eastern-based authorities backed by the House of Representatives and General Haftar’s Libyan National Army – divisions that deepened after elections planned for December 2021 were postponed indefinitely.

The roadmap is underway

Briefing Security Council on Thursday, Hanna Tetteh, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya and head of the UN Support Mission (UNSMIL), said the political process had regained momentum, although progress remained fragile.

He described the UNSMIL-facilitated roadmap – which includes elections, institutional unification, security, economic reform and national reconciliation – as crucial. “not just a political necessity” but a “viable way” to get out of the state’s institutional paralysis.

The six-month Structured Dialogue involving around 120 Libyans from various backgrounds has produced nearly 600 recommendations in the areas of governance, security, economy and human rights, Tetteh said.

The report was widely welcomed, and the task now is to translate it into structured implementation led by Libya.

In parallel, UNSMIL has facilitated direct talks between the Government of National Unity and the LNA General Command, with both competing chambers of parliament also participating.

Discussions have been constructive, with agreement in principle on the re-establishment of the electoral commission, and negotiations on electoral law are ongoing.

Narrowed windows

Ms Tetteh is candid about the risks. “Libya now has clearer political choices and opportunities for action are narrowing,” he told the Council, stressing that responsibility lies first with Libyan stakeholders.

He warned that if the roadmap failed to be achieved, he would return to the Council with alternative proposals based on existing political agreements.

Security is still a concern. Disinformation regarding alleged UN plans to resettle migrants in Libya has sparked violence at UN sites, including clashes in Zawiya and protests outside UN offices. UNHCR and the UNSMIL office in Tripoli. “The direction is known, the tools are there,” said Mrs. Tetteh. “What is needed now is the political will to make it happen.”

Board reaction

Members welcomed the progress and urged further progress. France said developments in the security and economic fields were moving in the right direction but greater efforts were needed to ensure unity and stability.

Russia warned that any settlement would have to be led entirely by Libya and warned that failure of the proposal to gain support from key leaders would risk leading to deeper destabilization.

Libya’s own representative expressed his objection to the Structured Dialogue, and said that the final report should reflect a broader view.

He stressed that any political process must end the transition period, respect Libyan sovereignty and avoid repeating past mistakes – and stated that Libya “will never be a country for migrant resettlement in any form.”

For in-depth coverage of the Libya meeting go here.