Hanna Tetteh, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, has highlighted ongoing risks to Libya’s political transition, noting that divisions between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State continue to hinder progress on the UN-backed political roadmap. While some steps have been taken, key milestones necessary for long-awaited national elections, including discussions on the constitutional and legal framework, have not been achieved. Tetteh emphasized that delays cannot continue if Libya is to move toward political stability.
One major hurdle is the reconstitution of the High National Elections Commission, where disagreements persist over whether to replace all seven members or only fill the vacant positions. Tetteh described this deadlock as indicative of a broader lack of political will and urged Libyan leaders to engage constructively. She warned that if consensus is not reached, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) may adopt alternative measures with Security Council support to ensure the roadmap advances.
In an effort to foster a more inclusive process, UNSMIL plans to launch national dialogue sessions in November. These sessions will involve civil society, youth, and women’s representatives, covering governance, security, the economy, and human rights. Tetteh also reported a reduction in tensions in Tripoli following mediation between the Government of National Unity and local security actors, crediting both local actors and Türkiye’s intervention for improving the security environment, which she said is essential for political progress.
Tetteh further raised concerns about governance challenges, including corruption and weak oversight, citing the Central Bank’s discovery of billions of unregistered dinars. She welcomed Libya’s newly launched national anti-corruption plan but stressed that political commitment is essential to enhance transparency and accountability. She concluded by emphasizing the Libyan people’s desire for legitimate and unified institutions, noting that UNSMIL remains committed to supporting Libya’s pursuit of political stability and long-term peace.
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