Latest news with #Libyans
Libya Review
39 minutes ago
- 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
Libya Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Libya Observer
Italian ambassador highlights role of economic ties in Libya's stability
Italy's Ambassador to Libya, Gianluca Alberini, has stressed the importance of economic cooperation as a means to promote political stability in the country. Speaking to Italy's Nova news agency during the Italian-Libyan Economic Forum in Benghazi, Alberini described Libya as still politically fragmented and facing complex institutional challenges. He said Italy is playing an active role in helping restore Libyan institutions, support national unification, and drive economic development. The ambassador welcomed the strong participation of local officials in the forum, particularly the mayor of Benghazi. Alberini also pointed to efforts by the Italian embassy in Tripoli and consulate in Benghazi to assist Italian companies and citizens, facilitate visa procedures for Libyans, and deepen bilateral cooperation. He noted progress in the field of education, describing it as a foundation for balanced and collaborative local development. Tags: Gianluca Alberini Libyan-Italian economic forum
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Condemns Calls for Violence Against Staff in Libya
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed deep concern over recent statements by certain Libyan political figures who, according to the mission, appear to not only endorse public protests but actively encourage illegal actions against UN staff and property. In a statement, the mission warned that 'campaigns of incitement and disinformation' could signal efforts to derail political progress aimed at holding national elections, unifying state institutions, and achieving lasting peace in Libya. UNSMIL called on all parties to uphold the peaceful nature of demonstrations, refrain from unlawful actions, and resolve disputes through constructive dialogue. The mission referenced the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and its agreement with Libyan authorities, which guarantee the inviolability of UN premises. It urged full respect for the UN's facilities, staff, and assets in accordance with international law. The statement follows an incident last Tuesday, when protesters stormed the UN mission's compound in Janzour, west of Tripoli, shortly after UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh delivered a briefing to the UN Security Council on the situation in Libya. Videos circulated on social media showed demonstrators demanding the expulsion of the UN mission and the resignation of the Government of National Unity led by Abdulhamid Dbaiba. In response, UNSMIL met with a delegation representing the demonstrators from the western region. The mission noted that the group voiced their frustration with the continued political and economic deterioration across Libya. Reaffirming its 'unconditional respect' for the right to peaceful protest, UNSMIL stressed its commitment to ongoing dialogue with all Libyans. The mission said it had received petitions from protesters during previous demonstrations and would continue to do so, promoting mutual respect and open discussion. Tags: Janzourlibyatripoliununsmil
Libya Observer
4 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UNSMIL listens to protesters' demands outside its headquarters in Janzour
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) met with a delegation from the National Dialogue Committee in the western region, representing the protesters who had gathered earlier on Tuesday evening outside its headquarters in Janzour. In a statement, the UN mission said the representatives expressed their frustration with the ongoing political and economic deterioration across Libya, emphasizing the urgent need to change the government through the House of Representatives and the High Council of State. UNSMIL added that the delegation stressed the importance of a time-bound political process with clear milestones leading to elections. The delegation called on the mission to take their concerns seriously and to support a fast-track path that considers the demands of the Libyan people, ensures accountability and inclusiveness, and leads to tangible progress in the political process. The mission reaffirmed that it will continue to work with Libyans in their pursuit of unified institutions and holding elections as soon as possible, according to the statement. Earlier on Tuesday, protesters stormed the UN mission's headquarters in Janzour, west of the capital Tripoli, following a briefing by the mission's head, Hanna Tetteh, to the UN Security Council on the latest developments in Libya. Videos circulating on Facebook showed groups of demonstrators gathering at the gate of the headquarters, attempting to enter before the security personnel guarding the building withdrew.
Libya Observer
5 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Delegation from Libya's south to Tetteh: East-west divisions harmful to road to elections
A delegation of 28 figures from southern Libya told the UN envoy to Libya, Hanna Tetteh, that the ongoing institutional divisions between the east and west are negatively impacting the south. They expressed a strong desire to see national elections through which all Libyans can choose their leaders and establish unified national institutions. The meeting took place Monday with Tetteh and her deputy, Stephanie Koury, according to a statement published by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on its Facebook page. The southern delegation emphasized the importance of ensuring that all cultural components have the opportunity to participate equally as citizens in the governance of the country. Tetteh, in turn, briefed the delegation on the outcomes of the Advisory Committee and the country-wide consultations led by the UN mission regarding the political process, as well as the recent meeting of the International Follow-up Committee in Berlin. She stressed the need for all Libyans to actively participate in the political process and play a role in shaping Libya's future. Participants shared their views on the committee's outcomes and voiced both their expectations for the political track and their frustration over the lack of progress in state-building efforts—whether through elections or drafting a constitution—as well as the continued marginalization of the south. The delegation included mayors, municipal council members, and representatives from political parties across municipalities such as Al-Barakat, Al-Owainat, Ubari, Jufra, Brak Al-Shati, Ghat, Murzuq, Qatrun, Sabha, and Tahala. Tags: South Libya UNSMIL Hanna Tetteh
