Latest news with #UnitedNationsSupportMissioninLibya
Libya Observer
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UN welcomes progress on Libya's municipal elections
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has welcomed the publication of preliminary voter lists for the second group of municipal council elections by the country's High National Elections Commission (HNEC). In a statement posted on its official "X" platform on Monday, UNSMIL described the move as an important step forward in strengthening the ongoing electoral process in Libya. The mission urged all registered Libyan citizens to verify their electoral data, either through the commission's website or at polling centres, to ensure their eligibility for participation in the upcoming local elections. UNSMIL reaffirmed its continued support for Libya's relevant institutions as they work toward holding free and inclusive elections — a critical step in advancing the country's democratic path and promoting public participation in local governance. News Tagged: municipal council elections
Libyan Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Libyan Express
HoR hears from prime ministerial candidates
Parliamentary session held for prime ministerial candidates Libya's House of Representatives convened on Tuesday to hear presentations from 12 candidates seeking to become the next prime minister. The session, chaired by Speaker Aguila Saleh, marked a significant step in efforts to form a new unified government and move towards national elections. At the opening of the session, the House's rapporteur clarified that the acceptance of the candidates was provisional, with the day's agenda limited to the presentation and discussion of each candidate's proposed programme. Speaker Saleh used the opportunity to publicly criticise the continued absence of a large number of MPs, some of whom, he said, had not attended sessions in over a year. He suggested that disciplinary measures — including salary suspension or revocation of membership — could be introduced to address chronic absenteeism. Saleh also announced that the House will soon schedule a separate session to formally select a new prime minister. He added that representatives from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), along with ambassadors from several countries, would be invited to attend as observers, to help ensure transparency and build international confidence. The Speaker reiterated his hope that the House would garner both domestic and international support in advancing the electoral process and establishing a new government. He stressed that both the House of Representatives and the High Council of State are committed to holding elections and responding to the will of the Libyan people. According to Saleh, all 12 candidates had received endorsements from over 100 members of the House and a similar number from the State Council — a claim that aligns with reports of coordinated efforts between the two bodies to facilitate political transition. Despite ongoing concerns over absenteeism, Saleh stated that proceedings were moving forward positively. 'Things are proceeding well,' he said, acknowledging that the issue of attendance remained a 'sensitive and important matter'. However, not all political actors are aligned with the process. In recent statements, incumbent Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah denounced the nomination effort as 'illusory', accusing the House of attempting to prolong the transitional period instead of facilitating elections. The UN has since announced the formation of an advisory committee to propose a roadmap out of the political deadlock, reinforcing international efforts to break the impasse. The House's deliberations come at a time of increasing pressure, both locally and internationally, to unify Libya's fragmented institutions and lay the groundwork for long-delayed national elections.
Libya Review
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
French Ambassador Discusses Stability & Political Process in Libya
French Ambassador to Libya, Mostafa Mihraje, met with members of the Social Council of Souq Al-Jumaa and the surrounding districts to discuss efforts to promote stability and advance Libya's political process. According to a statement released by the French Embassy, the meeting focused on the current security situation and ongoing political developments in the country. Ambassador Mihraje reaffirmed France's commitment to Libya's stability and the importance of maintaining the ceasefire among all parties. He also emphasised the central role of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in driving the political process forward. The discussion highlighted France's support for a unified international approach and the need for Libyan-led solutions that respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity. 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: franceFrench EmbassylibyaMostafa Mihrajeununsmil
Libya Review
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya's Former Envoy Warns of Civil War Risk
Adel Issa, Libya's former ambassador to Ukraine, has warned that the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) must act swiftly and decisively to prevent the country from descending into renewed conflict. 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
Libya Review
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Protesters in Libya Call for End to GNU Rule Under Dbaiba
Thousands of Libyans took to the streets of Tripoli and cities across western Libya on Friday in one of the most significant public uprisings in years. Demonstrators rallied under the slogan 'Friday of Salvation' to demand the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba and the end of Libya's prolonged transitional phase. In Tripoli, large crowds gathered in Martyrs' Square after Friday prayers, chanting slogans such as 'The people want the downfall of the regime.' Many carried placards condemning what they described as widespread corruption and failed leadership under Dbaiba's Government of National Unity (GNU), which has been in power since early 2021. The protests soon spread to the headquarters of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), where hundreds of demonstrators called on the international community to withdraw its recognition of Dbaiba's government. Protesters demanded immediate presidential and parliamentary elections, accusing the GNU of deliberately delaying the vote to remain in power. The unrest extended beyond the capital. Demonstrations erupted in cities including Zawiya, Sabratha, and Surman, where participants echoed the same demands for political change. A particularly notable development occurred in Misrata—Prime Minister Dbaiba's hometown—where hundreds of residents joined the protests, calling for the formation of a new government and an end to militia violence in the west. The wave of protests highlights mounting public frustration over Libya's stalled political process, deepening economic hardships, and growing insecurity in the capital. More than a decade after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya remains divided between rival political factions, with no elected president or parliament and a deeply fragmented state. Despite repeated international pledges and local dialogue efforts, national elections have been delayed multiple times. Many Libyans now view Dbaiba's interim government as an obstacle to progress rather than a pathway to stability. Friday's protests reflect a widening rejection of the status quo and signal renewed calls for accountability, political renewal, and an urgent end to transitional governance. Tags: Abdul Hamid DbaibalibyaProteststripoli
