Latest news with #HannaTetteh


Bloomberg
7 days ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Libyan Peace Push at Risk From Trump Funding Cuts, UN Envoy Says
Cuts in US funding for the United Nations may hamper efforts to reunite war-torn Libya, where deadly fighting and protests in the capital have sent tensions soaring, a top UN official said. The global body is pressing on with its latest bid to reconcile the OPEC member's two dueling administrations and schedule landmark elections, yet the challenges are stacking up, according to Hanna Tetteh, head of the UN's mission in Libya.


Asharq Al-Awsat
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
UN Mission Holds Consultations to Solve Issues Blocking Progress Toward Elections in Libya
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Saturday held consultations with key officials in Libya's Zintan and Misrata to discuss the recommendations of the Advisory Committee to resolve key contentious issues that are blocking progress toward elections. In Misrata, head of UNSMIL, Hanna Tetteh, and her deputy, Stephanie Koury, met with mayor Mahmoud Al Soqatri, municipal council officials, House of Representative and High Council of State members, in addition to civil society representatives, youth and the Military Zone Commander of the Central Zone and member of the Truce Committee, Lieutenant General Mohamed Musa. 'The price paid by Libyans across the country from continued political deadlock has been too high,' Tetteh said. 'The Advisory Committee has now finished, and their recommendations are public. It is now that the real work begins to find a way forward for an inclusive political process,' she added. The meetings in both cities are part of a series of community consultations which will take place across the country as the Mission starts a public consultation process on the Advisory Committee recommendations in Libya. The community engagements will be held online and in towns and cities across the country by the Mission to gather the views of a wide range of people, including community leaders, notables, youth, women, cultural components those with disabilities, military leaders and elected officials, UNSMIL said in a statement. 'Discussions across all meetings focused extensively on the recent clashes in Tripoli and their potential implication for stability in the western region,' Tetteh said during her visits in Misrata and Zintan. She added that participants emphasized the urgent need for political, social and economic inclusivity, and the need to implement robust ceasefire and security arrangements.


Libya Observer
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UNSMIL holds several meetings in Misrata
The Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Hanna Tetteh, held several meetings with officials from Misrata during a visit to the city on Thursday. According to a statement from the UN mission, the visit is part of a series of community meetings that will be held across the country as part of broad consultations on the executive summary of the Advisory Committee's report. During a meeting with the Misrata Municipal Council, members of the House of Representatives, the High Council of State, civil society representatives, youth groups, and the Commander of the Central Military Zone, Mohammed Musa, Tetteh discussed the options proposed by the Advisory Committee. Participants exchanged views on the committee's recommendations, stressing the importance of learning from past experiences, including safeguards to ensure the implementation of any political agreement, and calling for support from the UN Security Council. Attendees also expressed their deep frustration and concern over the current situation in the country, citing the recent clashes in Tripoli, the continued division of state institutions, widespread corruption, the proliferation of weapons, the indefinite postponement of national elections, and the lack of progress toward lasting stability. In a separate meeting, Tetteh discussed with a group of youth the challenges they face in participating in decision-making at both local and national levels, including in political affairs. She reaffirmed the UN mission's commitment to consulting with Libyans on a roadmap that leads to national elections and the formation of a unified government. Tetteh also praised the positive role played by the elders and dignitaries of Misrata in de-escalating tensions during the recent events in Tripoli and reiterated the mission's support for efforts to reinforce the ceasefire.


Libyan Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
UN seeks Libya consensus in Misurata visit
BY Libyan Express May 23, 2025 - 15:54 Updated: May 23, 2025 - 15:55 UN reviews Libya options in Misurata UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh and her Deputy for Political Affairs Stephanie Koury travelled to Misurata on Thursday as part of ongoing consultations regarding recommendations from the UN Advisory Committee on Libya's political future. The delegation met with Mayor Mahmoud Al-Suqatri, municipal council members, civil society representatives, youth leaders, and Major General Mohammed Musa, Commander of the Central Military Zone. During the discussions, participants reviewed the Advisory Committee's proposed options for advancing Libya's political process. Local leaders stressed the importance of incorporating lessons from previous failed agreements and establishing robust safeguards to ensure the implementation of any future political deal, backed by Security Council support. Meeting participants expressed deep concern about Libya's deteriorating security and political situation, citing recent armed clashes in the capital Tripoli, the ongoing fragmentation of state institutions, widespread corruption, weapons proliferation, and the indefinite postponement of national elections as evidence of the country's continued instability. In a separate session, youth representatives discussed barriers preventing their meaningful participation in local and national decision-making processes, particularly in the political arena. Tetteh reaffirmed the UN Mission's dedication to consulting with Libyans on developing a roadmap towards national elections and establishing a unified government. She emphasised that Libyan voices must remain central to building 'a strong, unified, and sovereign state.' The Special Representative also praised Misurata's tribal elders and community leaders for their role in helping to defuse tensions during recent violence in Tripoli, reiterating the UN's commitment to supporting efforts to maintain the current ceasefire. Libya has been divided between rival governments since 2014, with repeated attempts at political reconciliation failing to produce lasting stability or the long-promised national elections. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.


Libya Observer
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UNSMIL launches "Basirah" program to develop AI skills of Libyan media professionals
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has announced the launching of a new training program titled 'Basirah' (Insight), aimed at enhancing the professional skills of Libyan journalists, starting on May 21. According to UNSMIL, the program opens with a digital workshop led by Pamela Kesrouani, a teaching fellow with the Google News Initiative in the Middle East and North Africa. The focus will be on how journalists can leverage artificial intelligence to improve the quality of their reporting and research. Over the next two months, the program will feature prominent international experts from institutions such as the University of Cambridge, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and others. Topics will include the impact of AI on politics and democracy, technological tools for improving news verification, media manipulation during times of war, and strategies for protecting oneself from online harassment. Head of UNSMIL, Hanna Tetteh, stressed that journalists play a vital role in Libya's stability by raising public awareness, debunking false information, and holding decision-makers accountable. She added that the Basirah program was designed to provide high-quality technical training that meets this crucial need. Tags: UNSMIL AI