UN official warns Libya's 'fragile stability' at risk amid political deadlock

HAMILTON, Canada

Libya's stability is "increasingly at risk" due to deep political divisions, economic mismanagement and human rights violations, a senior UN official warned Monday.

"Entrenched divisions, economic mismanagement, continued human rights violations, and competing domestic and external interests continue to erode Libya's unity and stability," UN Political Affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the UN Security Council, warning that "the fragile stability in Libya is increasingly at risk."

Saying that the goal of a "civil, democratic, and prosperous Libya remains unfulfilled," DiCarlo said: "The country’s leaders and security actors are failing to put the national interest ahead of their competition for political and personal gain."

"Politicization and political divisions are also hindering progress on national reconciliation," she said, adding that a newly established advisory committee has been working on recommendations to resolve disputes preventing national elections.

DiCarlo raised concerns over Libya's economic governance and noted disputes about state institutions and a lack of agreement on a unified budget.

"It is critical to address the issue to support the efforts of the Central Bank of Libya to stabilize the financial situation of the country and enable transparent and equitable public spending," she said.

Warning about the "fragile" security situation in Libya, she said: "The 2020 ceasefire agreement has only been partially implemented. Renewed efforts by Libyan authorities to implement its remaining provisions are crucial."

Libya’s warring factions signed a UN-brokered ceasefire on Oct. 23, 2020, agreeing to withdraw foreign fighters and end hostilities. The government, however, has documented regular breaches of the agreement by militias affiliated with warlord Khalifa Haftar.

DiCarlo called for urgent reforms to Libya's justice system, and pointed to the "alarming and tragic discovery of mass graves following raids on human trafficking sites highlights the severe danger faced by migrants in Libya."

She further urged international support for the newly appointed UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh, who is set to take office in Tripoli.