Tripoli - New York: Europe and the Arabs
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya said that all Libyan institutions have exceeded their mandates that give them legitimacy, and stressed the need to hold national elections and for a government that enjoys the trust of the people to assume power. According to the UN Daily News, she warned that the institutional division, if not contained, could lead to further deep divisions.
In her first interview with UN News since assuming her position earlier this year, Hana Tetteh said that the various parties agree on the need to hold elections, but there are divergent views on how to proceed.
She noted that leaders in western Libya emphasize the importance of resolving fundamental issues first—such as drafting a constitution and unifying the core state institutions responsible for administering elections. In eastern Libya, stakeholders are calling for the formation of a new government first, which can then lead the country to national elections. To help resolve differences and bridge differences, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) established an Advisory Committee, a technical body tasked with assessing the challenges facing the electoral process and providing recommendations on a viable roadmap. Tetteh explained that elections are not an end in themselves, but rather a means to establish a stable government that enjoys public trust and makes decisions on behalf of the people. A few days ago, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya called on the international community to cooperate on a unified plan to support a democratic state that meets the needs of the Libyan people and promotes economic growth and equitable development, noting that inaction would be more harmful than the cost of change. This came in her first briefing to the Security Council since assuming her position at the beginning of this year, where she reviewed the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Libya, highlighting the latest political, security, and economic developments in the country. She said that since her arrival in Libya in February of this year, she has conducted extensive consultations with Libyan actors from across society—political, military, security, and judicial—as well as with oversight institutions, political parties, civil society leaders, women leaders, and diplomats. She said their views on the current situation in Libya are crucial.
She added that she heard divergent views, with most Libyan leaders calling for an inclusive political process and stressing the urgent need to end unilateral actions, unify institutions, and restore stability.
She noted that some believe that "a new unified government is the only solution, while others believe it will prolong the nearly 15-year transitional period."
She said this view emphasizes the importance of strengthening existing institutions, noting that the formation of a transitional government has not addressed the fundamental challenges facing Libya. While all parties agree on holding elections, there are divergent views on establishing a constitutional framework before holding general elections. She stressed that the political will to reach a compromise is crucial to developing a consensual roadmap to resolve Libya's political crisis and end the transitional phase. "Therefore, elections must be integrated into a comprehensive political framework that promotes state-building through unified and strengthened institutions."
Tetteh explained that the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is supporting the work of the advisory committee tasked with developing options to address contentious electoral issues. She noted that the committee has held sessions in Benghazi and Tripoli and is expected to submit its report, including options for moving forward, by the end of the month. She thanked the committee for its commitment to this important endeavor.
She also noted the progress made in the second phase of local elections, which will be held in 62 municipalities, including Tripoli, Benghazi, and Sebha. Voter registration concluded on April 15.
Preliminary figures indicate that more than 570,000 voters have been registered, 31% of whom are women. "These elections are crucial for establishing democratic governance." Tetteh warned that the political crisis in Libya continues due to competition for economic resources, fragmented institutions, and unilateral actions that deepen divisions.
She stated that the lack of a unified budget exacerbates the situation, causing macroeconomic instability characterized by foreign exchange shortages, inflation, and currency depreciation.
She noted that UNSMIL has engaged with economic experts to identify reforms for financial management and sustainability, affirming the mission's readiness to support the main political parties in agreeing on a unified budget to prevent a looming crisis.
Tetteh acknowledged that the 2020 ceasefire agreement is largely holding, but "the security situation remains volatile. Amid the ongoing military buildup and hostile competition for territorial control, particularly among armed groups in the western region, the recent armed mobilization in and around Tripoli has renewed fears of the potential outbreak of violence in the capital."
She also expressed concern about "the recent rise in racist and xenophobic hate speech," which she said incites violence against migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and humanitarian organizations providing life-saving support. She warned that "portraying migrants as security threats has led to demonstrations, mass arrests, and a deadly shooting." Tetteh also expressed concern about the continued "arbitrary detention" in Libya and called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained individuals. She highlighted the challenges facing women in Libya and called on the House of Representatives to expedite the adoption of a draft law to protect women from violence.