Taher El-Sonni to the Security Council: The systematic oil smuggling in Libya is getting worse

New York, May 23, 2026 (LANA) – Libya's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Taher El-Sonni, stated that the Government of National Unity is working diligently to dismantle armed groups operating outside the authority of the state and to ensure they do not escape punishment.

This came in his address yesterday, Friday, to the Security Council during its session dedicated to hearing the briefing from the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, under the agenda item entitled "The Situation in Libya."

El-Sonni condemned all crimes of murder, torture, and enforced disappearance committed in recent years, emphasizing that the government will spare no effort in holding the perpetrators accountable, to guarantee a better and safer future for our children and future generations.

The Cabinet also reaffirmed its commitment to close cooperation under Article (3/12) regarding the expansion of investigative powers and the extension of the mandate until the end of 2027. This has had a significant impact on strengthening human rights throughout Libya without exception.

The Permanent Representative of Libya to the United Nations emphasized that extending cooperation until the end of 2027 strengthens the Court's jurisdiction based on the fundamental principle of complementarity, not substitution. He noted that the Libyan national judiciary has original jurisdiction, given the capacity and willingness to activate judicial complementarity. He added that the Court's role remains in place through cooperation and the exchange of evidence when national procedures are not feasible or when pursuing wanted individuals is not possible.

Al-Sunni pointed out that any illegal acts or practices committed by some of its employees are individual actions and do not reflect the approach, institutions, or official policies of the State. He stressed that responsibility for these acts remains personal and rests solely with the perpetrators, without the State being liable for any compensation arising from them.

In his statement, the Libyan representative commended the efforts of the Attorney General's Office in the Tarhuna mass graves case, highlighting the investigation into hundreds of cases and the issuance of arrest warrants for the accused. He urged the court to exert pressure to apprehend those accused who are currently outside the country, particularly in member states that are signatories to the Rome Statute, and to ensure their swift extradition.

Al-Sunni pointed out that the smuggling of Libyan oil, which represents a systematic plundering of the Libyan people's resources and sovereign wealth, is a serious matter, as it contributes to financing activities that destabilize Libya.

The Libyan representative also called on the Security Council to consider the technical and procedural observations made by the National Oil Corporation regarding certain aspects of the Panel of Experts' report last month concerning the escalating phenomenon of oil smuggling, particularly regarding the methodology for verifying data, the mechanisms for assigning responsibility, and the accuracy of some conclusions related to export activity and operational processes.

He also reiterated the call for support for efforts to impose sanctions on those truly involved, dismantle criminal networks and systems, and move from the monitoring and documentation phase to practical measures based on rigorous verification of facts and evidence. This is essential to ensure that all those proven to be involved are held accountable and do not escape punishment, using the tools and mechanisms available to the Council.

In closing, Al-Sunni stated that all the Libyan people aspire to is the establishment of justice and the building of a state based on institutions and the rule of law. He urged them to support this effort if they are able, and to refrain if they can't.

=Lana=