Latest news with #Libyans
Libya Review
3 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 Observer
4 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Sumood Convoy says 7 detained activists are released, hoping for return of the rest
The Sumood Convoy, which is part of international efforts to break the siege on Gaza, announced the release of seven of its members who had been detained by the forces of Khalifa Haftar, following days of negotiations and communication with various parties. A statement issued by the convoy explained that the release was carried out according to prior understandings, without disclosing the details, adding that contacts are still ongoing to secure the release of another group of detainees. Earlier, the 'Joint Action Coordination for Palestine' had announced its decision to withdraw from completing the Sumood Convoy's journey towards the Rafah crossing, after Haftar's forces insisted on preventing the convoy from crossing Sirte. Wael Nawar, the convoy's spokesperson, said that the decision came as a result of continuous restrictions, confirming that the sit-in in the Buwairat Al-Hassoun area west of Sirte will continue until all the detainees — a total of 15 people — are released. Nawar had previously announced that 15 members of the convoy, including 11 Libyans, were arrested by security units affiliated with Haftar's forces on the outskirts of Sirte. He also mentioned that he himself was physically assaulted, dragged, and had his belongings stolen, before the convoy was forcibly pushed back toward the outskirts of Misrata. Nawar pointed out that the decision to withdraw was made to avoid further violations, especially after participants were attacked at the 'Gate 50' checkpoint west of Sirte. He confirmed that authorities in the eastern region explicitly informed them during a meeting with the Hamad government: 'If Egypt agrees, we will allow you to pass.' Several members of the convoy also spoke of shocking details of what they faced on the outskirts of Sirte, where they were subjected to a suffocating siege, deliberate starvation, direct threats at gunpoint, as well as physical assaults and arrests of several participants, including the convoy's spokesperson.
Libya Observer
5 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Sumood Convoy gives up drive to Gaza border and calls on Haftar's forces to release detainees
The Joint Action Coordination for Palestine announced its withdrawal from continuing the 'Sumood Convoy' march towards the Rafah crossing. The convoy's spokesperson, Wael Nawar, explained that the decision to withdraw came after the persistence of east Libya forces in preventing the convoy from crossing through Sirte. Nawar reaffirmed that they will continue their sit-in in the Buwairat Al-Hassoun area, west of Sirte, until 15 detained members of the convoy are released. Nawar had earlier announced that 15 convoy members, including 11 Libyans, were arrested by security elements affiliated with Haftar's forces on the outskirts of Sirte. He said that he personally was assaulted, beaten, and dragged, in addition to having his personal belongings stolen, before the convoy was forcibly pushed back toward the outskirts of Misrata. He indicated that the decision to turn back was made to avoid further violations, after the participants were attacked at the 'Gate 50' checkpoint west of Sirte. Regarding their meeting with the Hamad government, Nawar said that the authorities in eastern Libya told them explicitly: 'If Egypt agrees, we will allow you to pass.' Some convoy members revealed shocking details of what they experienced on the outskirts of Sirte, where forces affiliated with the eastern Libya government surrounded them and prevented them from continuing their journey. The participants spoke of a suffocating siege, deliberate starvation, direct threats at gunpoint, as well as physical assaults and arrests of several members, including the convoy's spokesperson.
Libya Review
5 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya Approves Final Candidate List for Municipal Elections
On Monday, Libya's High National Election Commission announced that it has officially approved the final list of candidates for the second phase of municipal council elections. In a statement, the commission stated that all approved candidates must submit the required endorsements to validate their nomination. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in disqualification from the final list. Under Article 21 of Executive Regulation No. 43 of 2023, each candidate must be endorsed by at least 25 registered voters from the same municipality. The regulation also prohibits voters from endorsing more than one individual candidate or one candidate list. This update follows the commission's announcement earlier this month approving the preliminary list of voters for the same round of elections. The second group of municipal elections will cover 62 local councils across various regions of Libya. According to official figures, a total of 560,896 Libyans have registered to vote in this phase. This includes 388,033 men and 172,963 women. The commission noted that election preparations are proceeding according to plan and reiterated its commitment to transparency and procedural integrity. These municipal elections are part of a broader national effort to decentralize governance, strengthen local institutions, and increase citizen engagement. With Libya's political transition still in flux, the local elections are viewed as a practical step toward restoring trust in public institutions and building political stability from the ground up. Tags: Electoral CommissionlibyaMunicipal Elections
Libya Review
5 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya's State Council Demands New Government Amid Growing Unrest
The head of Libya's High Council of State, Khaled Al-Mishri, announced that the council no longer recognizes the legitimacy of the Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Al-Mishri pointed to the resignation of half of the cabinet ministers as a critical turning point that strips the government of its political standing. He stated that political tradition calls for a prime minister to resign if even two ministers step down. 'Now that half of the government has walked away, the question is no longer about legitimacy. It's about responsibility,' Al-Mishri said. He called on Dbaiba to respect the shifting political reality and step aside to allow for the formation of a unified national government. Al-Mishri confirmed that the High Council of State has reached an understanding with the House of Representatives to resolve the ongoing division in Libya's executive authority. Both bodies, he said, agree on the urgent need to form a single, inclusive government that can guide the country toward elections and long-term stability. Addressing the growing protest movement, Al-Mishri said the demonstrators are demanding what Libyans have waited years for: a single government and national elections. He affirmed that the legislative groundwork for holding those elections has already been completed and warned against any efforts to suppress the peaceful movement. He voiced strong opposition to any attempts to intimidate or silence protest leaders and said the people have every right to continue demonstrating peacefully until their demands are fulfilled. Al-Mishri also blamed the Dbaiba administration for the public outrage, citing its failure to handle security issues, which has led to widespread instability. He described the protests as a legitimate response to mismanagement and urged respect for the right to peaceful assembly as an essential part of democratic life. Tags: High Council of StatelibyaLibyan GovernmentProteststripoli
