Tetteh tells the Security Council: Continued division and lack of progress threaten Libya's stability and hinder elections

New York, April 23, 2026 (LANA) – The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, Hanna Tetteh, warned that Libya is at a political, economic, and security crossroads due to the continued division of institutions and the lack of sufficient progress towards holding national elections. She stressed that the continuation of the current situation threatens the country's unity and undermines the prospects for stability.

In her briefing to the Security Council on Wednesday, Tetteh explained that the implementation of the political roadmap remains stalled because some Libyan parties are ignoring the people's aspirations for political participation and democratic legitimacy, in addition to establishing parallel structures outside the agreed-upon frameworks, which limits the effectiveness of efforts to unify institutions.

She pointed out that continuing to operate with the current mechanisms legitimizes the existing division instead of advancing towards a political settlement, warning of national and regional risks if the implementation of the roadmap continues to falter.

Regarding the political track, she reported that the structured dialogue continues its work across four tracks: security, governance, the economy, reconciliation, and human rights. This is in preparation for submitting final recommendations by June, aimed at creating the conditions for holding elections and strengthening state institutions.

She affirmed that the mission continues its engagement with political parties, including the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, and is also working with a small group of stakeholders to overcome the current impasse. She indicated that a new briefing to the Security Council, including alternative proposals, is forthcoming should no progress be made.

On the economic front, Tetteh emphasized the sharp deterioration of the situation, characterized by currency pressures, rising prices, fuel shortages, and widespread poverty. She asserted that the current economic model is unsustainable and fuels instability.

She added that the Panel of Experts' reports revealed the depletion of national resources within a distorted political economy based on unaccountable spending and the use of oil revenues as a tool of influence, which undermines the state's ability to manage its resources and fulfill its obligations.

She welcomed the signing of the 2026 Addendum to the Unified Development Program as a step towards strengthening fiscal discipline, stressing that its success hinges on effective implementation and enhanced transparency and oversight of public spending.

She also called for urgent reforms in the hydrocarbons sector, including improved transparency and revenue monitoring, and the adoption of updated legislation to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. She emphasized that restoring the integrity of public finances requires genuine political will and supportive international cooperation.

On the security front, she noted the continued fragility of the situation despite the absence of ceasefire violations, with sporadic clashes occurring in several areas, particularly in the west, and the continued flow of weapons. This reflects the inadequacy of security arrangements and the risk of renewed conflict.

She highlighted the positive step of launching joint military exercises in Sirte between forces from the east and west of the country, considering it a step towards unifying security institutions and building trust.

In the judicial file, she warned against the continued division and the existence of parallel judicial bodies, which perpetuate legal ambiguity and threaten the integrity of any electoral process, noting that political interference is hindering efforts to reach a solution.

Regarding human rights, she expressed concern about the continued arbitrary arrests and violations against activists and opposition figures, as well as attacks on freedom of belief, while welcoming limited steps that included the release of detainees and allowing visits to detention centers.

She also addressed the repercussions of the conflict in Sudan, which has led to an influx of refugees and increased humanitarian needs in Libya, calling on the international community to support the response plan targeting hundreds of thousands of refugees and host communities.

Titeh called on the Security Council to use its influence to ensure that Libyan leaders commit to unifying institutions and moving towards elections, warning that continued obstruction will undermine the country's unity and delay the achievement of stability and development.

...(LANA)...