UN's Libya plans face sharp criticism
UN mission under fire amid political crisis
The Libyan capital, Tripoli, is experiencing a growing wave of public frustration with the performance of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Increasingly, citizens perceive the mission not as part of the solution but rather as a burden on the country's political process and stability.
During a field survey, Libyan Express gathered opinions from several residents who expressed deep dissatisfaction with what they described as the mission's absence from the realities on the ground. They emphasised that the mission's presence has failed to bring any tangible improvements to Libya's political or economic conditions or to the daily lives of its people.
This discontent coincided with protests held outside the UN mission's headquarters in Tripoli, where demonstrators raised slogans condemning what they described as the ongoing deterioration of the political and economic situation across Libya. The protesters demanded a reassessment of the mission's role and its withdrawal, accusing it of failing to provide real solutions.
Citizen Ramadan Khaled stated that the mission is no longer a trustworthy party in political settlements, asserting that it has become part of the problem itself. He called for its removal, citing a lack of seriousness and commitment. Meanwhile, Ms Fawziya Ben Ali described the mission's activities as limited to formal meetings, dialogues, and overseas trips, with no real impact inside Libya.
Researcher Dr Ibrahim Mohammed argued that the mission's efforts merely recycle old proposals that had been presented in previous years, lacking clear timelines or implementation mechanisms, which undermines its credibility. Additionally, some citizens accused the mission of executing foreign agendas that do not reflect Libyan aspirations but rather serve international interests detached from local realities.
In related developments, the UN mission announced on 4 February the formation of an advisory committee composed of twenty Libyan experts in an effort to revive the political process. This initiative forms part of the mission's multi-track approach, which it submitted to the UN Security Council during its session on 16 December 2023.
On 20 May, the mission revealed the committee's recommendations, stating that they represent Libyan advice intended to be considered in the next phases of the political process it facilitates. The goal is to build consensus, unify state institutions, and move forward toward elections.
These efforts come amid a severe political crisis in Libya characterised by the existence of two rival governments. The first, led by Osama Hammad, is based in Benghazi and was appointed by the House of Representatives in early 2022; it controls the eastern regions and most of the south. The second is the Government of National Unity, headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, based in Tripoli, governing the western part of the country.
Despite the mission's ongoing attempts to support the political process, popular trust remains low amid rising frustration and concerns that the UN's initiatives may amount to mere formalities without delivering real change.
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Libyan Express
12 hours ago
- Libyan Express
UN's Libya plans face sharp criticism
UN mission under fire amid political crisis The Libyan capital, Tripoli, is experiencing a growing wave of public frustration with the performance of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Increasingly, citizens perceive the mission not as part of the solution but rather as a burden on the country's political process and stability. During a field survey, Libyan Express gathered opinions from several residents who expressed deep dissatisfaction with what they described as the mission's absence from the realities on the ground. They emphasised that the mission's presence has failed to bring any tangible improvements to Libya's political or economic conditions or to the daily lives of its people. This discontent coincided with protests held outside the UN mission's headquarters in Tripoli, where demonstrators raised slogans condemning what they described as the ongoing deterioration of the political and economic situation across Libya. The protesters demanded a reassessment of the mission's role and its withdrawal, accusing it of failing to provide real solutions. Citizen Ramadan Khaled stated that the mission is no longer a trustworthy party in political settlements, asserting that it has become part of the problem itself. He called for its removal, citing a lack of seriousness and commitment. Meanwhile, Ms Fawziya Ben Ali described the mission's activities as limited to formal meetings, dialogues, and overseas trips, with no real impact inside Libya. Researcher Dr Ibrahim Mohammed argued that the mission's efforts merely recycle old proposals that had been presented in previous years, lacking clear timelines or implementation mechanisms, which undermines its credibility. Additionally, some citizens accused the mission of executing foreign agendas that do not reflect Libyan aspirations but rather serve international interests detached from local realities. In related developments, the UN mission announced on 4 February the formation of an advisory committee composed of twenty Libyan experts in an effort to revive the political process. This initiative forms part of the mission's multi-track approach, which it submitted to the UN Security Council during its session on 16 December 2023. On 20 May, the mission revealed the committee's recommendations, stating that they represent Libyan advice intended to be considered in the next phases of the political process it facilitates. The goal is to build consensus, unify state institutions, and move forward toward elections. These efforts come amid a severe political crisis in Libya characterised by the existence of two rival governments. The first, led by Osama Hammad, is based in Benghazi and was appointed by the House of Representatives in early 2022; it controls the eastern regions and most of the south. The second is the Government of National Unity, headed by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, based in Tripoli, governing the western part of the country. Despite the mission's ongoing attempts to support the political process, popular trust remains low amid rising frustration and concerns that the UN's initiatives may amount to mere formalities without delivering real change.
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UN voices concern over protest at its Tripoli headquarters
Composite image showing the Libyan and UN flags, symbolising the ongoing dialogue and challenges in Libya. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed concern over recent statements by political figures which, according to the Mission, encouraged actions against its headquarters during protests in Tripoli earlier this week. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Mission reaffirmed its full and unconditional support for the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. It stressed, however, the importance of preserving the peaceful nature of demonstrations and avoiding any acts that fall outside the bounds of the law. UNSMIL reiterated its readiness to engage in dialogue with all segments of Libyan society and reaffirmed its commitment to a political process that is Libyan-led and aimed at achieving a sustainable and inclusive resolution to the country's ongoing crisis. The Mission also called on all parties to respect the sanctity of UN premises, personnel, and assets, adding that it is closely monitoring developments on the ground. Protests took place on Tuesday outside the UN compound in Tripoli, where demonstrators called for an end to the transitional period and the holding of national elections. The protest escalated when a group breached one of the external gates of the Mission's headquarters. Videos circulated on social media showed demonstrators gathered outside the compound, chanting against Libya's current political institutions. Some footage appeared to show individuals entering through an outer gate. In a follow-up statement, UNSMIL confirmed that it had received a delegation representing the protesters, identified as members of the 'National Dialogue Committee in the Western Region.' According to the Mission, the delegation expressed deep frustration over the deteriorating political and economic conditions across the country. The delegation reportedly called for a change in government through the House of Representatives and the High Council of State and emphasised the need for a clearly defined, time-bound political process that would lead to long-delayed national elections.
