New York — The United Nations’ top envoy to Libya has emphasized the urgent need for national unity and inclusive dialogue as she addressed the UN Security Council on Thursday, offering a sobering yet hopeful assessment of Libya’s stalled political transition.
Hanna Tetteh, the newly appointed Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), told Council members that while most Libyan stakeholders are calling for a more inclusive and coordinated political process, opinions remain deeply divided on how best to move the country forward.
“Most Libyan leaders I have engaged with stress the importance of an inclusive political process,” Tetteh stated during her first formal briefing to the Council. “They have underscored the urgency of ending unilateral initiatives, unifying national institutions, and restoring stability in a country that has endured nearly 15 years of political fragmentation.”
A Divided Vision for the Future
Despite the consensus on the need for unity, Tetteh acknowledged significant disagreement among Libyan actors about the most viable path toward long-term governance.
“Some believe that forming a new, unified government is the only way to resolve the current crisis,” she explained. “Others fear that attempting to do so will simply extend the country’s already prolonged transitional period, which has persisted since 2011.”
Libya has been in political limbo since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, with competing governments and institutions emerging in the eastern and western parts of the country. Repeated attempts at national reconciliation, elections, and power-sharing agreements have faltered due to mistrust, external influence, and armed conflict.
Tetteh, who recently replaced Abdoulaye Bathily in the UN’s Libya role, said she has already begun intensive consultations with political parties, civil society representatives, tribal leaders, and other stakeholders. Her strategy, she stressed, will be to maintain an inclusive and participatory approach.
“I will continue to engage all sectors of Libyan society,” she said. “Our aim is to ensure that any proposed outcomes are not only Libyan-owned but also enjoy widespread national support.”
Libyan Ambassador Voices Support for Homegrown Solutions
Also addressing the Security Council, Libya’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Taher M. El-Sonni, reinforced the importance of national leadership in resolving the crisis. He called for international respect for Libya’s sovereignty and internal efforts to find consensus.
“We support all national processes that promote broad consensus,” El-Sonni said. “These processes must be guided by Libyan priorities, and their legitimacy should not be questioned.”
The ambassador appeared to push back against externally imposed solutions, echoing concerns expressed by many Libyans in recent years who see foreign interference as a major obstacle to peace.
Ongoing Institutional Divisions
The country remains divided between the eastern-based House of Representatives, which backs a government in Benghazi led by Prime Minister Osama Hamad, and the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU), led by interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Rival security forces, regional militias, and oil revenue disputes continue to destabilize the situation.
Elections originally scheduled for December 2021 were postponed amid disagreements over candidate eligibility, the legal framework for voting, and control over electoral security. No new date has been confirmed.
Tetteh said that restarting preparations for national elections remains essential but cautioned against rushing the process without consensus.
“Elections must be built on a foundation of mutual agreement,” she told the Council. “Holding elections without a clear political framework or security guarantees risks triggering a renewed cycle of instability.”
Humanitarian and Security Concerns
In addition to the political deadlock, Tetteh highlighted the worsening humanitarian and security situation in parts of Libya. Armed groups continue to operate with impunity, and civilians in conflict zones face displacement, poverty, and limited access to basic services.
“Millions of Libyans are still affected by the consequences of war and institutional collapse,” she said. “Efforts to build peace must go hand-in-hand with improving the daily lives of citizens.”
Tetteh also noted that a sustained ceasefire remains in place since the 2020 truce, but it remains fragile without a unified security structure or regular dialogue between armed factions.
“The ceasefire has provided some breathing space, but it is not a substitute for long-term reconciliation and reform,” she warned.
Council Members Echo Need for Unity
Several Security Council members expressed support for Tetteh’s inclusive approach and urged Libyan leaders to overcome political differences for the sake of national stability.
The United States representative emphasized the need for all parties to support UN efforts and return to the negotiating table in good faith. “The Libyan people deserve elections, peace, and a unified government that serves their interests,” the U.S. envoy said.
Russia’s delegate reiterated the importance of respecting Libyan sovereignty and warned against the imposition of solutions by external actors. France and the United Kingdom echoed the call for renewed political dialogue and praised Tetteh’s consultative roadmap.
Conclusion: A New Opportunity for Peace
Tetteh’s appointment and early engagements may offer a renewed chance to break the deadlock in Libya’s political transition. Her emphasis on inclusivity, local ownership, and patient diplomacy reflects lessons learned from previous failed initiatives.
However, success will depend on the willingness of Libya’s rival authorities to compromise, address root causes of division, and put national interests above political calculations.
“The road ahead will not be easy,” Tetteh acknowledged. “But if Libyan leaders and their communities can come together in good faith, there is still hope for a peaceful and prosperous future.”
The UN Security Council is expected to monitor developments closely as Tetteh continues her mission in the weeks and months ahead.
