Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General, held several meetings on Tuesday with Libyan officials on the third day of her official visit to Libya. DiCarlo met with the head of the National High Electoral Commission, Imad Al-Sayeh, and the members of the Commission’s Council. She also had separate meetings with the heads of committees in the High Council of State and representatives of political party coalitions in Libya. In another meeting, she listened to the concerns of civil society and youth representatives.
The UN Mission stated in a release that DiCarlo emphasized the United Nations’ commitment to achieving a political settlement regarding a legally accepted electoral framework that is technically feasible. Furthermore, the Under-Secretary-General highlighted the international community’s support for the UN Support Mission in Libya to facilitate a comprehensive political process.
The current political situation in Libya remains highly volatile and complex, characterized by an ongoing power struggle among different factions, which continues to impact the nation’s oil production and overall stability.
Since the fall of Muammar Qaddafi in 2011, Libya has faced recurring conflicts, disrupting its oil sector and prompting international concerns about stability and security in the region. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has reported significant reductions in oil production due to clashes and blockades orchestrated by rival factions, the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the House of Representatives (HoR), each supported by different armed groups.
Amidst these disruptions, there have been attempts to reconcile and stabilize the political landscape. The UN, through its envoy, has emphasized the need for inclusive, Libyan-led dialogues to end the current stalemate. However, despite these efforts, divisions persist, as key Libyan factions set preconditions for their participation in dialogues, complicating efforts to reach a political consensus.
The political deadlock has been further complicated by external influences, with regional and international powers showing renewed geopolitical interest in Libya due to its strategic location and oil resources. This interest is shaped by broader regional instabilities, including the ongoing conflicts in the Sahel and the effects of the Ukrainian crisis.
Efforts to hold credible elections and establish a unified government have been repeatedly delayed, contributing to the country’s prolonged crisis. The Libyan population continues to face severe economic and humanitarian challenges, with significant portions of the population impoverished due to the ongoing strife.
