Latest news with #Tetteh
Libya Observer
6 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
Libya Observer
6 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UN envoy to Libya briefs Security Council on fragile truce, human rights concerns, and push for elections
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.'
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Aftermath Of Tripoli Clashes Puts Libya's Fragile Stability To The Test
24 June 2025 Nearly 15 years after Gaddafi's fall, Libya remains split between the internationally recognised Government of National Unity in Tripoli, and the rival Government of National Stability in Benghazi. Although a truce was reached on 14 May, the outbreak of fighting last month in the capital 'temporarily disrupted UN development and humanitarian operations,' said top UN envoy Hanna Tetteh. Fragile Truce On 18 May, with support from the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the Presidential Council established a Truce Committee. Composed of key security actors, the body has been mandated to monitor the upholding of the ceasefire, facilitate a permanent end to the fighting and ensure the protection of civilians. As UNSMIL works to ease tensions and prevent further clashes, the Presidential Council has also set up a temporary Security and Military Arrangement Committee, tasked with sustaining peace and reorganising security forces in the capital. ' The truce, however, remains fragile, and the overall security situation unpredictable,' said Ms. Tetteh. Alleged grave violations The armed clashes that erupted in May resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, as well as damage to critical civilian infrastructure, underscoring the shortcomings of State security forces in adhering to international humanitarian and human rights law, she continued. Ms. Tetteh expressed alarm over mass graves found in Abu Slim, citing emerging evidence of serious human rights violations – including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances – allegedly by State security forces. 'The presence of charred remains, unidentified bodies in morgues, and a suspected unofficial detention site at Abu Salim Zoo underscores the scale and gravity of these abuses,' she said. Demand for change ' Many Libyans are deeply disillusioned with the prolonged transitional period and have lost confidence in the current institutions and leadership,' said Ms. Tetteh. As civilians increasingly doubt the current leadership's willingness to put national interests above their own, there is strong demand for a political process that allows public participation, enables elections, and delivers a democratic government with a clear mandate for real change. UNSMIL intends to present a time-bound and politically pragmatic roadmap – with the goal of reaching the end of the transitional process – by the time of her next briefing, Ms. Tetteh told ambassadors. ' I urge all parties to engage in good faith and to be ready to forge consensus on this roadmap,' she said.
Libya Review
6 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Envoy Urges Support for New Political Roadmap in Libya
UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh warned the UN Security Council that the security situation in Libya remains precarious, citing a fragile truce in Tripoli and concerns over the potential resumption of armed clashes. In her briefing to the Security Council, Tetteh described the general security environment in the capital as 'unpredictable,' noting persistent tensions among armed factions. 'The ceasefire in Tripoli is fragile, and there are growing fears of renewed violence if political and security disputes are not addressed,' she told members of the Council. Tetteh highlighted the recent Berlin meeting as a pivotal step forward in resolving the Libyan crisis. She described the talks as 'a significant turning point' that helped consolidate international backing for the UN-led process and reignite efforts to end the long-standing political stalemate. Crucially, the UN envoy announced plans to present a new roadmap aimed at breaking the deadlock. 'We intend to submit a time-bound and practical political roadmap that reflects the aspirations of the Libyan people,' she said, calling on all stakeholders to engage sincerely and constructively with the initiative. According to Tetteh, the new proposal will centre around restoring legitimacy through elections and forming a unified government with a clear mandate. 'Libyans want a political process that allows them to elect their leaders and establish a government with legitimate authority,' she added. Tetteh's remarks underscore the urgency of international coordination and internal consensus to prevent a return to conflict and keep Libya on a path towards stability. Tags: Hannah TettehlibyaSecurity Counciltripoliun
Libya Review
7 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Security Council to Hold New Briefing on Libya Crisis
The United Nations Security Council is set to convene on Tuesday for a briefing session focusing on Libya's current political, security, and humanitarian landscape. UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh will lead the briefing, providing council members with updated insights into the evolving situation on the ground. Tetteh's report is expected to cover several critical areas. On the political front, she will address the entrenched deadlock between rival administrations and the stalled efforts to form a unified government. The briefing will also address institutional shortcomings, including the delayed passage of key legislation and ongoing struggles over authority between Tripoli-based and Benghazi-based bodies. Security concerns will feature prominently in Tetteh's update, highlighting recent skirmishes between armed groups, the instability along border areas, and the broader implications for national stability. She will equally explore the humanitarian dimension: the conditions of internally displaced persons, limited access to essential services like healthcare and clean water, as well as the resumption of infrastructure repair in conflict-affected zones. Following the briefing, council diplomats expect the Security Council to issue a formal statement endorsing the work of Libya's Advisory Committee, an independent body tasked with facilitating dialogue aimed at bridging political divides. The statement may also call on all Libyan parties to resume negotiations, implement confidence-building measures, and act swiftly to avoid further deterioration. Observers note that Security Council involvement at this juncture aims to reinforce the UN's mediation efforts, maintain momentum ahead of scheduled electoral planning, and safeguard humanitarian corridors. Council members may also consider establishing benchmarks or deadlines tied to the advisory committee's progress, security sector reform, and the groundwork for credible elections, aligning with the directives of UN Security Council Resolution 2570. Tags: libyaPolitical DeadlockSecurity Councilun
