The United Nations Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, has emphasized the urgent need for a unified executive in Libya, stating that no institution in the North African country currently holds full legitimacy. Bathily’s call for action comes in the wake of escalating division within Libya, with hopes for national reconciliation and the establishment of a unified government.
Speaking at a press conference following a visit to the city of Tarhuna, located 65 kilometers south of Tripoli, Bathily underscored the necessity for a new path that can contribute to unifying the country and fostering national reconciliation. He highlighted Libya’s dire economic crisis, exemplified by the significant devaluation of the Libyan dinar, and condemned rampant financial corruption within the nation.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Bathily urged Libyan leaders to draw lessons from history to avoid repeating past dark episodes. He stressed the crucial importance of reaching a political agreement through dialogue, particularly regarding the formation of a unified government, as a pivotal step towards holding elections, restoring the legitimacy of Libyan institutions, and ensuring lasting peace.
Meanwhile, social components, activists, and academics from Tarhuna voiced their discontent with the systematic marginalization experienced by the city. They called for justice and their effective involvement in the political process, reconciliation efforts, and development initiatives.
Tarhuna’s troubled history includes ferocious clashes and grave crimes committed by the Kaniyat militia, which aligned with various factions over the years. Since 2020, the discovery of multiple mass graves in the vicinity has shed light on the extent of violence within the region.
Bathily engaged in open dialogue sessions in Tarhuna, addressing the ongoing political crisis and the responsibility of political elites in perpetuating division. Participants expressed concerns about the potential impact of political division on Libya’s unity.
Ahead of the next briefing to the UN Security Council scheduled for April 16, Bathily initiated a new round of consultations with various parties in Libya. The Security Council is expected to reiterate its call for constructive participation in negotiations aimed at reaching a consensus on outstanding political issues and establishing electoral laws in preparation for national elections.
The ongoing political stalemate in Libya, characterized by rival political-military coalitions, underscores the challenges facing the nation’s path to stability. Despite previous efforts to draft constitutional amendments and electoral laws, political consultations are ongoing to install a new caretaker government and organize elections in 2024.
Bathily’s current initiative focuses on engaging the five main Libyan institutional subjects to find a compact agreement on unresolved issues. However, challenges persist as some key actors remain reluctant to participate without specific conditions, highlighting the complexities of Libya’s political landscape.
