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Libya Observer
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Libyan figures urge UN to back constituent council proposal
A coalition of 223 prominent Libyan citizens—comprising politicians, activists, and civil society leaders—has formally called on Hanna Tetteh, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative in Libya, to endorse a proposal for establishing a Constituent Council. This proposal, known as 'Proposal Four,' was developed by an advisory panel appointed by the UN Support Mission in Libya. It calls for the formation of a new executive body to oversee constitutional reform and electoral preparation, effectively replacing the current political institutions. In an open letter, the signatories noted an intensifying public outcry, with widespread street protests rejecting the status quo. They assert that existing institutions are responsible for Libya's stagnation and ongoing humanitarian challenges. They propose that the Constituent Council be formed through a Political Dialogue Committee, as specified in Article 64 of the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement. The committee should elect 60 members of the council based on integrity, competency, and fair representation of all Libyan communities. Importantly, the authors emphasize that anyone who has held legislative or executive positions in recent transitional governments should be excluded. The group describes the new path as 'a historic opportunity' to rebuild trust between the Libyan people and state institutions. It urges all stakeholders—from civil groups and political parties to youth movements and international partners—to unite behind this initiative and rise above narrow partisan interests. They describe Proposal Four as potentially Libya's last chance to break free from the cycle of failed transitions, and call on the UN to convene the Political Dialogue Committee promptly to select its members.
Libya Review
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Fresh Military Build-Up Threatens Stability in Libya's Tripoli
Tensions in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, have escalated sharply in recent days, raising concerns about renewed armed conflict despite ongoing international mediation efforts. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is actively working to de-escalate the situation and revive stalled political talks. Still, the security climate in western Libya remains fragile and volatile. The recent flare-up began with an armed standoff between rival factions, violating the existing ceasefire agreement. Forces from the General Security Apparatus entered Qadisiyah Island, prompting a swift military response from the Deterrence Apparatus for Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime. The latter re-deployed across several key zones in Tripoli, including Souk Al-Thulatha Island and Shatt Road. The force also reoccupied its former base at Rajma Camp and seized a military vehicle from the 444th Combat Brigade in Abu Mishmasha Island, detaining two brigade members. Simultaneously, sporadic gunfire was reported near Al-Nasr Street, where the Nawasi Brigade deployed units around the state radio headquarters. Videos from the area showed fires breaking out at the Sidi Muneidher cemetery, further amplifying fears of wider unrest. This security escalation comes just days after a joint agreement between the Libyan Presidential Council and the Government of National Unity (GNU) aimed to strengthen state authority and enhance public safety. In response to the rising tensions, Stephanie Khoury, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, held a series of meetings in Benghazi with political and security stakeholders. The three-day consultations produced proposals to resolve Libya's prolonged political crisis. The key suggestions included holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, or initiating parliamentary elections followed by drafting a permanent constitution and a presidential vote. Some participants also proposed forming a new political dialogue committee under Article 64 of the Libyan Political Agreement, with a mandate to finalize electoral laws and appoint a temporary unified government. UNSMIL stated that many participants appreciated the advisory committee's work and called for urgent steps to break the political deadlock and achieve a Libyan-led resolution. Attendees expressed frustration with persistent political stagnation, insecurity, economic hardship, and national divisions—particularly the ongoing split between rival governments. Despite the renewed diplomatic activity, UNSMIL voiced deep concern about reports of armed mobilizations in Tripoli and warned against the use of force. The mission urged immediate de-escalation, restraint, and a return to dialogue, emphasizing that 'there is no alternative to peaceful resolution.' The UN also condemned displays of military power and clashes in densely populated areas, warning that such actions endanger civilians and further complicate efforts to reach a political solution. As Tripoli teeters on the edge, the central question remains: Can Libyan factions overcome their divisions to reach a comprehensive settlement? The coming days may prove decisive, as international and local actors push for dialogue and stability in a country yearning for peace. Tags: libyaStephanie Khourytripoliunsmil
Libya Review
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
UN Dismisses Rumours of Libya Talks in Tunisia
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has denied reports that it is organising or hosting a political dialogue between Libyan factions in Tunis on 28–29 May. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, UNSMIL said, 'Contrary to recent media reports, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya is not organising or hosting any dialogue between Libyan parties in Tunis on 28 and 29 May.' The clarification comes as the UN mission released a detailed report outlining the proposals of its advisory committee, aimed at resolving key disputes blocking progress toward national elections. The committee, composed of 20 Libyan experts in legal, constitutional, and electoral affairs, held over 20 meetings in both Tripoli and Benghazi across three months. The report presents four potential pathways to end Libya's prolonged transitional period and pave the way for elections. The first option proposes holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously. The second suggests parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution. The third path prioritises adopting a permanent constitution before any elections. The fourth option involves forming a political dialogue committee under the Libyan Political Agreement to finalise electoral laws, executive authority arrangements, and a permanent constitution. International support swiftly followed the release. The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and the European Union delegation to Libya welcomed the initiative, describing the advisory committee's proposals as a timely opportunity for Libyans to re-engage in dialogue and revive momentum toward a peaceful, unified, and democratic future. The EU and its member states' embassies hailed the proposals as a 'significant achievement' in Libya's UN-facilitated political process, calling on stakeholders to constructively engage with the advisory committee's recommendations. Tags: libyaLibyan CrisisTunisiaunsmil
Libya Review
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
UNSMIL Reveals Plan to End Political Deadlock in Libya
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has released the proposals of its advisory committee aimed at ending the country's prolonged transitional phase and paving the way for national elections. According to a statement issued by the mission, the report outlines four potential pathways that could serve as a roadmap for holding elections and concluding the transitional period. The options include: holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections; conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution; drafting and adopting a constitution before elections; or establishing a political dialogue committee based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalise electoral laws, executive authority, and the permanent constitution. The proposals were presented by UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh to key Libyan stakeholders in both eastern and western regions. The mission said it intends to share the committee's outcomes with the broader Libyan public to gather feedback and conduct opinion surveys. UNSMIL also announced plans to hold consultations on the report with political parties, youth and women's groups, civil society organisations, security bodies, community elders, and local leaders. The initiative seeks to build consensus around a viable and inclusive political roadmap, as Libya continues to grapple with deep divisions and the absence of unified national governance. The advisory committee was formed to provide actionable suggestions that could unlock the political stalemate and lay the groundwork for credible elections. With years of delay and growing public frustration, the UN hopes the newly proposed options will create momentum for a unified political solution. The mission reiterated its commitment to engaging all sectors of Libyan society in shaping the future of the country, emphasising the importance of national ownership and inclusive dialogue. Tags: ElectionslibyaLibyan Crisisunsmil
Libya Observer
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
26 pro-Haftar MPs reject forming new government by "single party"
26 members of the House of Representatives known for their affiliation to Khalifa Haftar warned against any attempt to change the parallel government or form a new one by 'a single party,' whether 'the House of Representatives alone or in partnership with a faction of the divided High Council of State,' stating that such a move is politically and nationally illegitimate. In a statement issued Monday, ahead of a House of Representatives session in which Speaker Aguila Saleh proposed the formation of a third government, the MPs said that dismissing the government mandated by the House without broad political consensus—and amid the complete paralysis of the High Council of State—constitutes a clear violation of the Libyan Political Agreement, which explicitly requires partnership between the House and the Council in making sovereign decisions, especially the matter of changing the government. 'What is being planned today is merely an attempt to repeat a previous experience that yielded no positive results in unifying the executive authority. On the contrary, experience has shown that unilateral changes have failed to establish a stable political reality across the country.' They said. They added: 'Forming a new government at this time, outside the framework of national consensus, may disrupt the development and reconstruction plans already underway in many cities and regions across the country, threatening to halt ongoing projects and undermine efforts aimed at stabilizing services and improving infrastructure.' They also said: The MPs from the Cyrenaica region affirm, stemming from their historical and national responsibilities toward the entire country, their outright rejection of any attempt to form a new government in the absence of a comprehensive political settlement based on clear and legitimate foundations, with the participation of all relevant parties, in accordance with constitutional legitimacy and the spirit of the Libyan Political Agreement. Tags: House of Representatives
