UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has cautioned that Libya remains entangled in deep political and security challenges,more than fourteen years after the establishment of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
In a report to the UN Security Council reviewing the mission’s strategy,Guterres commended UNSMIL’s contributions in managing political crises,facilitating elections,and reducing local violence. Nonetheless,he noted that persistent divisions,competing power centers,and the widespread presence of heavy weaponry continue to threaten the country’s unity and institutional integrity.
The Secretary-General warned that without a comprehensive political settlement,Libya risks further fragmentation and instability. He urged Libyan stakeholders to accelerate efforts toward national reconciliation through a unified roadmap grounded in free,fair,and transparent elections. Guterres further called for renewed UN focus on a sustainable political process and balanced engagement with all Libyan actors,while appealing for additional financial support to enhance UNSMIL’s capacity and ensure the successful implementation of its strategic objectives.
United News - unews.co.za