UN expert criticizes Libya political division, national election delays – JURIST

Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (SMIL), Hanna Tetteh, on Wednesday briefed the Security Council on how Libya’s political leaders have delayed implementation of the political roadmap intended to lead the country toward establishing national unity and democratic elections.

Tetteh said Libyan authorities have fallen short of goals set in SMIL’s 2025 roadmap as the country remains divided between two rival administrations—the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Government of National Stability (GNS), which is supported by the House of Representatives and Libyan National Army.

She emphasized the urgency of implementing the proposed roadmap and called on local authorities to meet expectations of the Libyan people regarding participation in political processes and election organization.

The expert also indicated that she gave recommendations to the government about “structured dialogue,” the third pillar of the roadmap, which focuses on security, governance, the economy, and national reconciliation. She expressed hope that these recommendations would contribute to policy reforms necessary to strengthen state institutions and eventually create suitable conditions to hold national elections.

Conversely, Tetteh expressed concern about strains on the economy and national security if the division remains unresolved. She pointed to currency pressures, rising prices, and fuel shortages, accompanied by Libya’s incapacity to govern effectively due to lacking rules-based institutions and cogent national policies, undermining fiscal discipline and civil project implementation.

Tetteh further observed that, although no violations of the 2020 ceasefire have been recorded, the security situation in Libya remains fragile due to persistent clashes between armed groups and criminal networks competing for territorial control. Lastly, she stressed the mission’s commitment to assisting the government in achieving roadmap objectives and called for continued support of the Security Council.

Since NATO’s intervention in Libya and the death of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has experienced a political impasse, remaining divided between the Tripoli-based GNU and the GNS in the southeast, with failing efforts to unify the government and hold national elections. Clashes between rival armed groups persist, resulting in civilian deaths and destruction of homes. In July 2025, the UN expressed concern about renewed clashes in densely populated areas and urged all parties to refrain from violence.

Lack of security allowed criminal networks to expand their activities, turning Libya into a transit point for migrants and leading to human rights abuses. In February 2025, Libyan authorities announced the discovery of two mass graves linked to human trafficking activity.