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Libya Review
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libyans Demand UN Mission Exit Over Political Paralysis
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is facing mounting criticism from the Libyan public, who increasingly view its presence as an obstacle rather than a catalyst for political progress. A recent investigation by Libyan Express revealed deep dissatisfaction among citizens regarding UNSMIL's effectiveness, according to Italy's Agenzia Nova. Many accuse the mission of being disconnected from Libya's realities, with no visible improvements in daily life or governance. Public anger came to a head during recent protests outside UNSMIL's headquarters in Tripoli, where demonstrators called for the mission's immediate departure. Protester Ramadan Khaled told reporters, 'The UN mission is part of the problem, not the solution. It must change course or leave.' Another citizen, Fawziya Ben Ali, criticised the mission's activities as limited to 'endless meetings, foreign trips, and statements that achieve nothing.' Political analyst Dr Ibrahim Mohammed echoed these concerns, noting the lack of innovation and clear timelines in the mission's proposals. UNSMIL recently announced the creation of a 20-member Libyan advisory committee, claiming it would provide a national voice for future political solutions. The committee's recommendations were made public in May. However, many Libyans see this as an insufficient gesture in the face of a deepening crisis. The country remains polarised between two rival governments: the Tripoli-based GNU led by Abdulhamid Dbaiba , and the eastern administration led by Osama Hammad, appointed by the House of Representatives. In this context, public trust in UNSMIL appears to be eroding rapidly. Libyans are calling for concrete action, a clear political roadmap, and international support that truly reflects their aspirations for sovereignty, elections, and democratic transition. Tags: libyaLibyan Crisistripoliununsmil
Libyan Express
28-06-2025
- Politics
- 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.
