UN envoy to Libya briefs Security Council on fragile truce, human rights concerns, and push for elections

Libya Observer

4 days ago

UN Special Representative for Libya, Hanna Tetteh, delivered a stark and comprehensive briefing to the UN Security Council on Tuesday, highlighting renewed international engagement, persistent insecurity, and mounting pressure for a political breakthrough in Libya.
Tetteh announced the revival of the Berlin Process International Follow-Up Committee, which met on 20 June for the first time in four years, gathering 19 countries and 3 regional organizations. The meeting signaled a renewed global push to support a Libyan-led political roadmap toward national elections.
Despite this momentum, Tetteh warned that Tripoli remains unstable, following armed clashes in May that killed civilians, damaged infrastructure, and led to mass protests. A fragile truce, brokered by UNSMIL and managed through new security committees, has helped de-escalate tensions, but risks of renewed violence persist. The presence of heavy arms in urban areas and fears of broader conflict, including the potential involvement of eastern forces, remain high.
Tetteh expressed alarm over reports of mass graves and grave human rights violations in Abu Slim, allegedly involving the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA). She called for independent investigations and urgent reform of Libya's security sector, including unrestricted access to detention centers.
The SRSG also addressed widespread public disillusionment with Libya's current political institutions. In consultations across the country, Libyans voiced frustration with endless transitions and demanded elections, unified institutions, and accountable governance. These consultations will inform a new time-bound roadmap, which Tetteh aims to present at her next Council briefing.
On the economic front, she highlighted the 16% devaluation of the Libyan dinar and warned against unilateral spending decisions, including a controversial 69-billion-dinar development fund proposed by the eastern-based House of Representatives. She stressed the need for a unified, transparent national budget to prevent financial collapse.
Tetteh concluded by calling on the Security Council to take a firm stance against spoilers of the peace process and support Libyan aspirations for credible elections and national unity, urging all actors to avoid provocation and work with the UN towards compromise.
"We need cool heads, not brinkmanship,' Tetteh said. 'Libyans want elections, accountability, and one government — and they want it now.'