Status quo ‘unsustainable’ in increasingly unstable Libya, Security Council hears

(Source: Unsplash)

This article was published in collaboration with the United Nations.

Recent “unilateral actions” by rival parties in Libya have led to a rapid deterioration in political and economic stability, combined with increasing insecurity, a senior UN official in the country told the Security Council on Tuesday.

Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), said these developments “have increased tensions, deepened institutional and political divisions and complicated efforts for a negotiated political solution.”

UNSMIL is committed to de-escalation and stressed the need for Council support.

“The status quo is not sustainable,” she said. “In the absence of renewed political talks leading to a unified government and elections, You can see where this is going: greater political, financial and security instability, persistent political and territorial divisions, and greater domestic and regional instability..”

One country, two governments

Libya remains divided between two rival administrations. The internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) is based in the northwestern 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 advisory support from the Supreme State Council (HSC), while the eastern government is backed by the House of Representatives (HoR) and the so-called Libyan National Army (LNA).

Ms Koury said that over the past two months, both the LNA and GNU-affiliated forces have undertaken unilateral security actions, leading to mobilisation by the other side.

Heavy armed clashes

In addition, on 9 August, heavy fighting broke out between two armed groups in Tajoura, east of Tripoli, resulting in deaths, injuries to civilians and destruction of property. Local mediation efforts managed to defuse the situation.

“Unilateral actions by political and security officials also undermine stability in other ways,” she added.

“Unilateral attempts to dethrone the governor of the Central Bank are met with opposing attempts to retain him. Attempts to dethrone the prime minister and his government are met with attempts to retain him.”

Similar actions also cause problems and instability in the economic sphere.

Budget battle

After months of efforts to develop a unified budget – involving representatives from the East, West and South – the HoR last month adopted a supplementary budget allocation “unilaterally submitted by the government designated by the House of Representatives,” she said, drawing condemnation from Western leaders.

She noted that efforts to change the governor of the Central Bank continue. The Libyan Presidential Council recently made a decision to appoint a new governor and form a board of directors, which the HoR rejected.

“These efforts are fueled by the perception that the Central Bank is not acting in a transparent and fair manner for both the East and the West “Regarding the allocation of resources,” she said.

De-escalation and dialogue

Ms Koury reported that UNSMIL and UN Member States are actively working to defuse the situation.

“As a first step, UNSMIL is working to facilitate a comprehensive de-escalation and proposes to initiate talks to develop a set of confidence-building measures between all parties to put an end to unilateral actions and create a more conducive environment for the resumption of the political process,” she said.

“Such measures would aim, among other things, to end unilateral actions and their commitment, restore confidence in the Central Bank, and ensure that the actions of military and security actors are coordinated to avoid mobilization and fears.”

Libyans frustrated and scared

Meanwhile, Libyans are frustrated with the status quo in their country and the impact it has on their lives.

“Many are now expressing fear that war will break out again around clashes between armed groups. They also express fear about their ability to speak, to share their political views, in a space without threats. Young people see no future, except to try to leave. This is not acceptable.”

She told the Council that UNSMIL is using its good office role and is focused on helping to defuse tensions, maintain stability and promote confidence-building measures, and is preparing to convene Libya-led political talks.

“Advancing the political process while maintaining stability is the top priority for UNSMIL,” she said, telling the ambassadors, “I count on your support to move this forward.”

Local elections progress

Despite the difficult context, the local elections will continue and are expected to take place in mid-OctoberAbout 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, women’s turnout remains relatively low, making up only 30 percent of registered voters,” said Ms. Koury.

“I am also concerned about the low participation of women as candidates,” she added, calling for more proactive measures to address the “many obstacles” they face, including harassment, online violence and verbal attacks.

Extremist groups and organised crime

On other matters, Ms Khoury said extremist organisations maintain access and presence in Libya by exploiting their connections with local and transnational organised crime.

This growing relationship is particularly worrying as weapons are reportedly flowing into the country in violation of an arms embargo.

On the humanitarian front, she reported that flooding in southwestern Libya on August 16 displaced an estimated 5,800 people. The UN country team has responded and sent humanitarian supplies, in coordination with the authorities.

The number of Sudanese refugees in Libya has also risen to 97,000 since the war broke out in April 2023. Most arrive in al-Kurfa, where they face difficult conditions. However, a UN plan for the refugees is only 21 percent funded.