The recent “unilateral actions” of the warring parties in Libya have led to a rapid deterioration of political and economic stability, coupled with increased insecurity, warned on Tuesday the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMM).UNSMIL) to the Security Council.
Speaking at a session of the resolution on the North African country, Stephanie Koury said that these developments “have increased tensions, further entrenched institutional and political divisions and complicated efforts for a negotiable political solution.”
UNSMIL is working to promote de-escalation and needs the Council’s support, he added.
“He status quo “It is not sustainable,” he said, adding that in the absence of renewed political talks leading to a unified government and elections, “greater political, financial and security instability, entrenched political and territorial divisions, and increased internal and regional instability” can be expected.
One country, two governments
Libya remains divided between two rival administrations. The internationally recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) is based in the north-western capital city of Tripoli and is led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, while the Government of National Stability (GNS) is based in the east.
The GNU receives advice from the High Council of State, and the eastern government is backed by the House of Representatives and the so-called Libyan National Army.
Koury said that in the past two months there have been unilateral security moves by both the Libyan National Army and forces affiliated with the Government of National Unity, which has led to the mobilization of the other side.
Furthermore, on 9 August, heavy clashes broke out between two armed groups in Tajoura, east of Tripoli, resulting in deaths and injuries among civilians and destruction of property. Local mediation efforts managed to calm the situation..
“Unilateral actions by political and security figures are also undermining stability in other ways,” he warned, explaining that attempts to remove the central bank governor are being challenged by the willingness to keep him. The same is true for the prime minister and his government.
Budget battle
On economic instability, Koury noted that after months of efforts to come up with a unified budget, with the participation of representatives from the east, west and south, the House of Representatives last month approved a supplementary budget allocation “unilaterally submitted by the government appointed by the House of Representatives,” prompting denunciations from Western leaders.
He noted that efforts to change the governor of the Central Bank are continuing. The Libyan Presidential Council recently issued a decision to appoint a new governor and form a Board of Directors, which the House of Representatives rejected.
“These efforts are fueled by the perception that the Central Bank is not acting in a transparent manner and with fair governance both for the East and the West in terms of resource allocation,” he said.
De-escalation and dialogue
Koury said UNSMIL and UN member states are working hard to calm the situation.
“As a first step, UNSMIL seeks to help facilitate a general de-escalation and is proposing discussions to develop a set of confidence-building measures among all parties with the aim of ending unilateral actions and creating a more conducive environment for resuming the political process,” it said.
He explained that these measures would aim to put an end to unilateral actions, restore confidence in the Central Bank, ensure that the movements of military and security actors are coordinated to avoid mobilization and fears, among others.
Frustration and fear
Meanwhile, Libyans are frustrated by the status quo of their country and the consequences it is having on their lives.
“Many are now expressing fear that war could break out again over clashes between armed groups. They express concern about their ability to speak out, to share their political opinions, in a space free of threats. Young people do not see a futureexcept trying to leave. This is not acceptable.”
“Advancing the political process while maintaining stability is UNSMIL’s key priority,” the Special Representative said, telling ambassadors: “I count on your support in taking this forward.”
Local elections preview
Despite the difficult context, local elections are moving forward and are expected to take place in mid-October. Approximately 210,000 people have registered to vote and the distribution of voter cards, as well as the registration of candidates, began on August 18.
“Unfortunately, female participation remains relatively low, representing only 30% of registered voters,” Koury said.
In addition, there is a low participation of women as candidates, she noted, and called for more proactive measures to address the “many obstacles” they face, such as bullying, online violence and verbal attacks.
On other matters
Koury said extremist organizations maintain access and presence in Libya by leveraging their connections with local and transnational organized crime.
This growing relationship is especially worrying, since it appears weapons have been entering the country, in violation of the embargo in force.
On the humanitarian front, he said that the floods of 16 August in south-west Libya displaced some 5,800 people. The UN team in the country has responded by sending humanitarian supplies, in coordination with the authorities.
The number of Sudanese refugees in Libya has risen to 97,000 since the outbreak of war in April 2023. Most are arriving in al-Kurfa, where they face difficult conditions. The UN plan to assist the refugees is only 21% funded.
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