
Libya's Former Envoy Warns of Civil War Risk
In a post published on Facebook, Issa described the UN Mission's current role as inadequate, stressing that its inability to take control of the transitional phase reflects a critical need for more decisive international support.
'The UN Mission's intervention in Libya has become urgent and necessary,' Issa wrote, adding that without a more forceful and effective mandate, the chances of restoring stability remain slim.
He warned that the political impasse—exacerbated by the House of Representatives' insistence on forming a new government, and the Government of National Unity's refusal to step aside—could spark a dangerous confrontation and a devastating war that would engulf Tripoli and destroy what remains of the capital.
Issa urged UNSMIL to take responsibility and immediately present a clear and actionable roadmap to end the crisis.
'The roadmap must be ready, urgent, and politically inclusive. We can no longer afford a vacuum,' he said, indicating that the situation requires urgent intervention to avoid chaos. Tags: franceFrench EmbassylibyaMostafa Mihrajeununsmil

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Libya Review
11 hours ago
- Libya Review
UK Embassy Condemns Attempts to Disrupt Libya's Municipal Elections
The British Embassy in Libya has voiced strong support for the municipal council elections scheduled to take place on Saturday across the country, while condemning attempts to undermine the democratic process. In a statement issued on Friday, the embassy expressed deep concern over efforts to obstruct democracy and deny Libyans their right to choose local leadership, including through acts of violence. It stressed that such actions threaten the ability of citizens to freely elect their representatives. The embassy also praised the High National Election Commission (HNEC) for its role in safeguarding the democratic rights of Libyans. The statement came in response to a recent announcement by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), which condemned an armed attack by unidentified assailants on the HNEC office in Zliten. The assault caused damage to the building and left two people injured. UNSMIL warned that such acts are aimed at intimidating voters, candidates, and election officials, preventing them from exercising their political rights and participating in the democratic process. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: HNEClibyaLibyan ElectionsUKunsmil


Libya Review
a day ago
- Libya Review
UN Envoy Meets Libya's 5+5 Military Commission in Tunisia
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Libya, Hanna Tetteh, met on Thursday in Tunis with members of the Joint Military Commission (5+5) to review progress in implementing and sustaining Libya's nationwide ceasefire. According to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the talks centered on reinforcing the ceasefire agreement and accelerating the withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters, and mercenaries — a key provision of the October 2020 Geneva agreement. The 5+5 Commission reaffirmed its dedication, along with that of its subcommittees, to fully uphold the truce and to take practical steps toward ensuring Libya's security and stability. Members stressed that removing non-Libyan combatants remains essential for restoring full sovereignty and reducing the risk of renewed conflict. Tetteh underscored that political and security progress must move forward together. She emphasized that advances in the political process, including a credible roadmap to elections, will strengthen security gains, while lasting security will create the environment necessary for political reconciliation. The meeting highlighted the Commission's continued role as one of the few functional forums for cooperation between eastern and western military representatives. Despite Libya's prolonged political deadlock, the 5+5 framework has been instrumental in maintaining relative calm on the ground for nearly four years. Both sides agreed on the need for sustained dialogue and coordination, with the UN pledging continued technical and mediation support. UNSMIL reiterated its readiness to work closely with international partners to ensure full implementation of the ceasefire's terms. Tags: ceasefirelibyaMilitary CommissionUN Envoy


Libya Review
2 days ago
- Libya Review
UN Envoy Warns of Cultural and Political Barriers Facing Libyan Women
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) marked International Youth Day with the graduation of 34 young women from the second class of the 'Raedat' leadership and advocacy training program. The ceremony, attended by UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh, brought together participants from across Libya to showcase their year-long work on youth empowerment initiatives. Over the past 12 months, the participants received intensive training in leadership, communication, and civic engagement, supported by mentoring from experienced professionals. The program concluded with seven group presentations outlining public campaigns designed to boost youth participation in Libya's social, economic, and political life. These final projects were presented to an audience of families, mentors, UN staff, and members of the diplomatic community. In her address, Tetteh highlighted the resilience and ambition of Libyan women but also spoke candidly about the significant challenges they face. She pointed to cultural norms, political obstacles, and family pressures that often hinder women from taking on leadership roles, and warned that, in some cases, women still encounter violence for trying to participate in public life. 'These barriers must be broken,' Tetteh said. 'Libya cannot achieve lasting stability or sustainable development without women's voices being heard in every sphere.' The 'Raedat' program, part of the UN's wider support for gender equality in Libya, is designed to equip young women with the skills and confidence to lead change in their communities. Organizers hope that by fostering a new generation of female leaders, the program will help shift societal attitudes, increase women's representation, and contribute to building a more inclusive and peaceful Libya. Tags: libyaLibyan WomenunsmilYouth Day