Latest news with #UNMission
Libya Observer
4 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UNSMIL calls on Libyans to share their opinions on crisis resolution proposals via online survey
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called on Libyans to share their views on the four proposals presented by the Advisory Committee for resolving the crisis, while noting that the committee, which operates under UNSMIL, favors the option of forming a new unified government. In recent days, the UN Mission has held a series of meetings across several areas, including Jabal Nafusa, Benghazi, Misrata, Zintan, and other regions. During these meetings, it discussed the committee's proposals with civil society organizations, political parties, mayors, activists, elders, and local dignitaries. These proposals offer four pathways to resolving the crisis and reaching elections. The committee's proposals — one of which is to be chosen — include: Holding simultaneous presidential and legislative elections with amendments to disputed issues in the current electoral laws,' or 'Holding legislative elections first, followed by adopting a permanent constitution, then holding presidential elections,'or 'Adopting a permanent constitution before general elections,' or 'Establishing a political dialogue committee to temporarily replace all existing institutions, complete the electoral laws, and select an interim government,' while noting that the committee preferred the option of forming a new government with limited powers. The UN Mission aims to draft a roadmap that leads to elections based on one of these options, and has previously indicated that it may make adjustments based on the feedback it receives from citizens. The Mission considers its efforts in this context to be pivotal in determining the will of the Libyan people. The UN Envoy, Hanna Tetteh, stated that 'the public survey and consultations conducted by the Mission are essential to enable the Mission to present to the Security Council factual data reflecting the will of the Libyan people — not just the Mission's own analysis from meetings.' During her visit to Nafusa Mountain, she added: 'I want to be able to reflect your views as much as possible so that I can convey the voice of the Libyan people to the international community in support of a political process aligned with what the people want.' The Security Council is scheduled to hold a special session on Libya on June 24, during which the UN Envoy is expected to brief the Council on her tour across the country, the citizens' responses to the proposals, as well as the overall security situation. While UNSMIL has not yet specified the positions of the key parties to the crisis regarding the proposals, it reaffirms that it will continue its meetings and public consultations over the coming weeks.
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Community conversations on justice and accountability brings hope to women in Kuajiena
On a quiet sunny day in the village of Kuajiena Payam in Jur River, community members gather under the shade of a Morula tree to reflect on peace, security, justice, and the path ahead during an open dialogue focused on accountability through the military court system. This engagement was conducted under the project, Advancing Accountability for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Crimes in South Sudan: Achieving Impact through a Victim-Centered Approach, facilitated by the United Nations Misison in South Sudan and funded by the Government of Norway. Attending was Peter Madut, a civil society representative working with the Kuajiena Community Development Program, a grassroots initiative supporting women's groups. The program also has a dedicated initiative focusing on gender-based violence, empowering women through counselling services, and working alongside law enforcement to support victims with care and discretion. 'When women come to our office for support, we can either provide counselling or refer them to our gender office," said Peter. "We also work with community-based counsellors and engage local partners to ensure victims receive information and support appropriate for their needs.' Complementing these efforts, military officials also urged locals to report crimes and speak out against human rights violations in the community. 'If anything happens to you, like rape, fighting and intimidation by the soldiers, do not fear report your complaints and we shall take it to our command and the Governor,' reassured Director of Moral Orientation, Brigadier General Awan Deng. "This initiative reflects UNMISS' commitment to promoting inclusive and accountable governance by supporting access to justice for all regardless of status," said Moonlight Augustine Bahemuka, UNMISS Rule of Law Officer in Wau. "By sharing this space with local authorities and communities, we are creating a platform for knowledge-sharing, increased understanding of your rights and the steps available to seek legal redress.' This message of protection and accountability resonated deeply with community members like Rose, a young woman of Kuajiena, who felt she better understood the role of court martials in promoting justice following the discussion. As the workshop ended, she sat quietly, enjoying a meal with other women. 'For a long time, we lived in fear' she shared. 'But today's meeting gave me hope that our voices are being heard. I want to share what I've learned with other women so they can feel strong enough to speak out.' Her words reflected the growing trust and determination among women in Kuajiena to build a safer, stronger community. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The National
30-05-2025
- Business
- The National
UN mission in Iraq closes key Mosul office as it winds down operations
A special mission established by the UN in 2003 at the request of the Iraq government has shut down a key office, in another step towards ceasing operations in the country by the end of this year. The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq closed its offices Mosul this week. Unami, which has its headquarters in Baghdad, was set up after the US-led invasion that toppled the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. It was given a broad mandate to help develop Iraqi institutions, support political dialogue and elections, and promote human rights. The agency's heads have shuttled between Iraq's political, security and judicial officials to help resolve conflicts. Baghdad requested last year that the mission end by 2025, saying it was no longer needed because Iraq had made significant progress towards stability. 'Iraq has managed to take important steps in many fields, especially those that fall under Unami's mandate,' Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani said in a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. However, the mission will continue to deliver in its remaining mandate, 'including providing technical electoral assistance, promoting human rights, supporting humanitarian and development tasks', an Unami representative told The National. In the final months of the year, the agency's work will be 'transferred to the UN Country Team operating in Iraq or to the national authorities', the representative said. 'In short, while Unami is leaving Iraq, the United Nations is not. The United Nations will continue to engage in support of the Government and the people of Iraq.' Unami closed its office in the northern city of Kirkuk at the end of April. Its remaining offices in Erbil, capital of the Kurdish region, and in the southern city of Basra will be closed along with its headquarters at the end of the year. Mr Guterres, who was in Baghdad this month for the Arab Summit, said during a meeting with Mr Al Sudani that the world body 'remains fully committed to continuing to support the government and people of Iraq following the departure of Unami'. Farhad Alaaldin, foreign affairs adviser to Mr Al Sudani, told The National that ending the UN mission represents a significant milestone for Iraq. 'It reflects the international community's recognition of the progress Iraq has made in strengthening its institutions, achieving greater political stability, and moving beyond the post-conflict phase,' he said. 'This is not the end of Iraq's relationship with the United Nations, but rather the beginning of a new phase – one based on equal partnership, development co-operation, and mutual respect.' Renad Mansour, director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House, said Mr Al Sudani's government was claiming the concept of sovereignty and that a monitoring mission such as the UN's that reports on the progress of the country should be abolished. 'This is not normal, and these are the words that are used by the Iraqi government: 'We want to be a normal country',' Mr Mansour told The National. 'From the perspective of the Iraqi government, the [UN mission] is outdated and does not fit with where Iraq is right now. From the UN perspective, they believe that they helped with rebuilding of the state.' Iraq expert Sajjad Jiyad, a fellow at Century International, said Baghdad still needs international support in areas such as fighting corruption and enforcing reforms across state institutions. 'It still needs international support for things that have troubled the Iraqi state for these past two decades – issues like corruption and financial management, engaging in reforms, economic ones, military logistics,' he told The National. The assistance may not come from the UN but other institutions, although Iraq will continue to deal with the UN, he said.
Libya Review
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya's Former Envoy Warns of Civil War Risk
Adel Issa, Libya's former ambassador to Ukraine, has warned that the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) must act swiftly and decisively to prevent the country from descending into renewed conflict. In a post published on Facebook, Issa described the UN Mission's current role as inadequate, stressing that its inability to take control of the transitional phase reflects a critical need for more decisive international support. 'The UN Mission's intervention in Libya has become urgent and necessary,' Issa wrote, adding that without a more forceful and effective mandate, the chances of restoring stability remain slim. He warned that the political impasse—exacerbated by the House of Representatives' insistence on forming a new government, and the Government of National Unity's refusal to step aside—could spark a dangerous confrontation and a devastating war that would engulf Tripoli and destroy what remains of the capital. Issa urged UNSMIL to take responsibility and immediately present a clear and actionable roadmap to end the crisis. 'The roadmap must be ready, urgent, and politically inclusive. We can no longer afford a vacuum,' he said, indicating that the situation requires urgent intervention to avoid chaos. Tags: franceFrench EmbassylibyaMostafa Mihrajeununsmil
Asharq Al-Awsat
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Armed Clashes Erupt in Libya's Tripoli After Reported Killing of Armed Group Leader
Armed clashes erupted on Monday evening and gunfire has echoed in the city center and other parts of the Libyan capital Tripoli following reports that an armed group leader was killed, three residents told Reuters by phone. The leader, Abdulghani Kikli, known as Ghaniwa, is the commander of Support Force Apparatus SSA, one of Tripoli's powerful armed groups, based in the densely populated Abu Salim neighborhood. SSA is under the Presidential Council that came to power in 2021 with the Government of National Unity (GNU) of Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah through a United Nations-backed process. The GNU's interior ministry called on citizens in a short statement to stay at home "for their own safety." Following the ministry's call, drivers started speeding and honking in many Tripoli streets. The GNU media platform said early on Tuesday that the defense ministry had fully taken control of Abu Salim neighborhood. "I heard heavy gunfire, and I saw red lights in the sky," a resident said on condition of anonymity. The other two residents said the gunfire was echoing all over their neighborhoods of Abu Salim and Salaheddin. The University of Tripoli Presidency announced on Facebook the suspension of studies, exams, and administrative work at all faculties, departments and offices until further notice. The UN Mission in Libya urged all parties to "immediately cease fighting and restore calm," reminding them of their obligation to protect civilians. "Attacks on civilians and civilian objects may amount to war crimes," it said. Libya, a major oil producer in the Mediterranean, has had little stability since a 2011 uprising backed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The country split in 2014 between warring eastern and western factions. Major fighting paused with a ceasefire in 2020 but efforts to end the political crisis have failed, with major factions occasionally joining forces in armed clashes and competing for control over Libya's substantial economic resources. Tripoli and the northwest, where the GNU and most major state institutions are based, are home to rival armed factions that have repeatedly fought.
