Latest news with #UnitedNationsSupportMissioninLibya
Libyan Express
5 hours ago
- 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.
Libya Observer
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UNSMIL invites youth in Ajdabiya, Al-Bayda, Derna, and Shahhat to discuss Advisory Committee options
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called on young people from the cities of Ajdabiya, Al-Bayda, Derna, Shahhat, and surrounding areas to take part in discussion sessions on the options and recommendations proposed by the Advisory Committee, and to share their concerns and suggestions. In a statement issued Thursday, the UNSMIL stated that the sessions are open to youth aged between 18 and 35. The consultations will be held at municipal headquarters as part of UNSMIL's 'Youth Participate' program, with sessions scheduled to take place in Ajdabiya on Monday, Al-Bayda on Tuesday, Derna on Wednesday, and Shahhat on Thursday. News Tagged: UNSMIL libyan youth
Libya Review
a day 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
3 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 Review
3 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya's East-Based Government Blames UN for Political Crisis
Libya's Parliament-designated Prime Minister Osama Hammad has issued a scathing statement demanding the immediate departure of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), declaring it 'unwelcome' and accusing it of irresponsible conduct regarding the Libyan crisis. In a statement published on the government's official Facebook page, Hammad strongly denounced the latest briefing by SRSG Hanna Tetteh to the UN Security Council, describing it as riddled with 'unacceptable transgressions' and 'politically biased assessments.' Hammad criticised the UN mission for remaining silent on recent armed assaults on unarmed civilians and state institutions in Tripoli, allegedly carried out by forces loyal to Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah. He accused UNSMIL of ignoring the grievances voiced during mass demonstrations outside its headquarters in Janzour, portraying protesters as threats rather than citizens expressing legitimate political anger. The prime minister further alleged that UNSMIL is deepening divisions and undermining national unity by supporting 'a de facto reality imposed by force,' thereby acting as a party to the conflict instead of a neutral mediator. Hammad rejected the mission's reference to the House of Representatives' budget discussions for the Reconstruction Fund, calling it an 'unacceptable political intrusion' into the powers of Libya's only elected legislative body. He reaffirmed the Parliament's sole authority to approve national and sectoral budgets, including those for reconstruction. Citing Article 7(2) of the UN Charter, Hammad reminded UNSMIL of the principle of national sovereignty and accused the mission of overstepping its mandate. He also voiced reservations about the Berlin Process, calling it a failure that marginalised legitimate institutions and the will of the Libyan people. Concluding his statement, Hammad reiterated his government's commitment to holding national elections and forming a unified executive authority, urging the international community to adopt a realistic and responsible approach to Libya's political future. Tags: Hannah TettehlibyaLibyan PMOsama Hammadununsmil
