Latest news with #HannaSerwaaTetteh
Libya Review
4 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Calls for National Effort to Confront Hate Speech in Libya
The United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative for Libya, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, warned that hate speech is becoming a serious obstacle to national unity and peace efforts. Her statement, issued Wednesday on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, called for immediate and coordinated efforts to confront divisive rhetoric across Libya. Tetteh described hate speech as a direct threat to the country's stability, particularly in the context of Libya's fragile security and political polarization. 'In such a sensitive environment, hate speech—especially when based on regional, tribal, or ethnic divisions—can do lasting damage,' she said. 'It deepens mistrust, fuels conflict, and undermines the work toward national reconciliation.' She stressed that fighting hate speech is not only the responsibility of governments but also of society as a whole. Institutions, media outlets, social leaders, civil society organizations, digital platforms, and individual citizens all have a role to play. Tetteh called for replacing inflammatory rhetoric with a more constructive, inclusive, and respectful tone that encourages unity and forward-looking dialogue. The UN Support Mission in Libya reaffirmed its commitment to working with all Libyans to foster national dialogue, support reconciliation, and promote responsible public messaging. She emphasized that inclusive communication must be part of any genuine effort to move the country toward peace and stability. The UN diplomat also addressed the growing influence of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in shaping public opinion. While these tools can be used to support peacebuilding, Tetteh warned that they must not become channels for spreading hate or misinformation. 'We must ensure these technologies are used to unite, not divide,' she said. Tetteh concluded with a strong call to action: 'We must stand against hate, choose respect in our differences, and build a future for Libya based on unity, justice, and lasting peace.' Her statement comes at a time when online incitement and identity-driven rhetoric remain key challenges for Libya's fragile political transition, threatening to derail reconciliation efforts and widen existing divisions. Tags: hate speechlibyaReconciliationUN Envoy
Libya Review
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Calls for Eid Calm as Tripoli Faces Tense Ceasefire
As Libya prepares to mark Eid al-Adha, United Nations Special Representative Hanna Serwaa Tetteh issued an urgent appeal to all parties in influence to preserve the fragile ceasefire in Tripoli and prioritize peace over conflict. Her call follows the deadly clashes that erupted in the capital on May 12 and 13 between armed factions, raising fears of renewed violence in the lead-up to the holiday. In a public statement marking Eid, Tetteh urged political and military leaders to treat the current truce not as a pause but as a shared responsibility to protect. She stressed that the use of force to resolve disputes deepens national divisions and delays any chance of long-term stability. 'This blessed occasion is a time for reflection, sacrifice, and compassion,' she said. 'It reminds us of the strength that comes from unity, and the importance of supporting each other through difficult times.' Tetteh emphasized that sustainable peace in Libya can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and peaceful negotiation, not through armed confrontation. While the statement did not name any groups directly, it was clearly aimed at both state-aligned and non-state actors who continue to contest influence in Tripoli and other parts of the country. The United Nations and international partners have warned that any escalation in the capital could derail efforts to reach a political agreement and hold long-delayed presidential and parliamentary elections. Tetteh's message comes amid renewed diplomatic activity by the UN mission in Libya, including consultations with local communities and political stakeholders to explore options for reviving a unified roadmap toward elections. Tags: ceasefirelibyatripoliUN Envoy
Libya Review
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya's Al Mnifi & UN Envoy Urge Respect for Tripoli Ceasefire
The head of Libya's Presidential Council, Mohamed Al Mnifi, met on Wednesday in Tripoli with Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya. The meeting came amid continued concerns over recent armed clashes in the capital and the fragile state of the ceasefire. According to a statement from the Presidential Council, both sides agreed on the urgent need to uphold the declared ceasefire in Tripoli and prevent a relapse into violence. They highlighted the importance of reinforcing security arrangements led by the Presidential Council in coordination with local actors and international partners. The talks also addressed the broader political deadlock that has stalled Libya's transition process. Al Mnifi and Tetteh discussed several proposed pathways to overcome the impasse, taking into account the latest suggestions from the advisory committee tasked with supporting national dialogue. The discussions focused on how to shape a unified political vision that would lead to credible presidential and parliamentary elections. Both parties stressed that elections must be based on a clear constitutional and legal foundation, ensuring transparency, national legitimacy, and broad public participation. The UN mission continues to push for renewed cooperation among Libyan institutions to restart the political process and avoid further fragmentation. The Presidential Council reiterated its commitment to playing a central role in managing the security environment and creating the necessary conditions for progress on the political track. Tags: ceasefirelibyaPresidential CounciltripoliUN Envoy
Libya Review
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Set to Launch Nationwide Survey on Libya's Political Future
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has announced plans to launch an online survey in the coming weeks to gather public opinion on the country's political future. The initiative is part of UNSMIL's broader effort to engage Libyans directly in shaping a path toward national elections and ending the years-long transitional phase. The announcement followed a public meeting held on Monday in the city of Zawiya, west of Tripoli, where more than 150 people from across the region gathered to discuss possible solutions to Libya's ongoing political impasse. Participants included community members from various municipalities including Zawiya, Sorman, Sabratha, Al-Ajilat, Al-Jumail, Manshiya, Zaltan, Al-Assa, Abu Surra, Nalut, Wazzin, Kabaw, Yefren, Zuwara, and Riqdalin. The meeting aimed to hear directly from residents about their priorities, concerns, and visions for moving beyond political deadlock. According to UNSMIL, this consultation is one of many to be held across Libya. The mission also continues its parallel discussions with political parties, civil society groups, security actors, and representatives from women's and youth organizations. In a statement following the meeting, UN Special Representative Hanna Serwaa Tetteh said that recent armed clashes and large-scale protests in western Libya serve as a stark reminder that the current political situation is unsustainable. 'The latest events clearly demonstrate that the status quo cannot hold,' Tetteh said. 'There is an urgent need for a unified national roadmap that leads to inclusive, constitutional-based elections and the reunification of state institutions.' The upcoming online survey, which will be accessible to all Libyans, is designed to widen participation in the political process and give citizens a direct voice in shaping the country's next chapter.
Libya Review
03-06-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
GCC Ministers Reaffirm Support for Political Dialogue & Sovereignty in Libya
On Tuesday, the Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council renewed their call for a political solution in Libya, urging all parties to commit to dialogue and national unity. The message was included in the final communiqué of the GCC's 164th ministerial session, held in Kuwait on Monday under the chairmanship of Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya. The council expressed concern over the recent escalation of tensions in Tripoli, which began in mid-May, and emphasized the need to resolve internal disputes through peaceful, Libyan-led means. The statement called on all Libyan actors to act with reason and prioritize national interests over conflict, to safeguard the country's sovereignty and stability. The GCC reiterated its firm support for a political process rooted in Libyan ownership and in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions. It also called for the full withdrawal of foreign forces, mercenaries, and armed foreign groups from Libyan territory, describing this as essential to restoring sovereignty and ending external interference. In a show of backing for the UN's role in the country, the council welcomed the appointment of Hanna Serwaa Tetteh as the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, as of January 24, 2025. Ministers also welcomed the recent adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2769, which allows Libyan institutions to invest frozen financial reserves in time deposits with global financial institutions. The council voiced full support for the UN's efforts to organize simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, unify Libya's divided institutions, and help the country transition toward peace, security, and development. The ministerial meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and the GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi. Tags: GCCGulf Cooperation CouncillibyaPolitical Dialogue
