Libya: ‘The political deadlock continues with no end in sight’ – UN Ambassador |
The special envoy Abdoulaye Bathily arrived in the country this month and has carried out important interviews with political representatives, the institutional system, security and civil society, in an effort to address these challenges.
“The situation in Libya calls for a State renewal process. Legitimate institutions that are capable of providing for the basic needs of the people must be established on the basis of true political will. In this process, the conduct of legislative and presidential elections is the most important,” he said.
Deadlock and violence
Libya has been divided between two rival administrations for more than a decade, following the overthrow and killing of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
The Government of National Accord (GNA) is in the capital, Tripoli, in the west, while the rival Libyan National Army (LNA) controls the east.
The signing of a UN treaty in October 2020 paved the way for the long-awaited elections in December 2021, which were postponed due to the dispute over the legal basis for the election.
This past August, Tripoli was torn apart by deadly clashes between the two groups. The crisis occurred in March, after the eastern parliament elected a new government, however the UN and the prime minister had international support, refused to stay.
There is no end in sight
“The political deadlock continues with no end in sight to the long hold on power,” Mr Bathily told the Commission.
“Furthermore, efforts to resolve the remaining outstanding issues related to the constitutional basis for the elections, do not seem to lead to concrete action by the relevant actors, delaying further prospects for holding inclusive, free and fair elections aimed at ending the revolution and restoring the legitimacy of the institutions.”
Listen to people
The United Nations representative is holding consultations “to shape a response to serious political challenges”, and important difference depends on how the Libyans want to overcome the crisis.
“In response to the imminent condemnation of the presence of terrorists, foreign fighters and foreign forces in Libya and foreign foreign interference in the affairs of the country, I emphasize to all my leaders that the solution to the crisis. must come from Libyaon the basis of the will of the Libyan people,” he told the Commission.
Mr. Bathily urged Libyan leaders “to listen to the people’s expectations for peace, stability, economic growth, and responsive leadership.”
View of the main square in Tripoli, Libya.
Anxiety that affects safety
Meanwhile, although the recession continues to hold, the political deadlock has had a negative impact on security.
Violent attacks in Tripoli caused a change in the balance of power in the capital, and deepened tensions, leading to fragile stability.
“With a noticeable decrease in the mobilization of armed groups and conflicts between them, there are reports of large-scale recruitment operations going on,” he reported.
On a positive note, Mr. Bathily said that the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC), which brings together representatives from the two parties, will meet next week in Sirte to discuss activities to resume the implementation of the suspended .
Face the human system
Turning to human rights, the ambassador regretted the situation in the country.
Crimes against migrants and asylum seekers “continue with impunity” while “arbitrary detention continues as a common practice”, he said.
Mr. Bathily called for the authorities to take immediate measures to address the dire situation of migrants and refugees and to dismantle trafficking and criminal networks.
Libyan authorities have reported that as of 1 October, approximately 11,000 people, including 55 women, are serving sentences in prisons made by the judicial police.
Judgment denied
Also, nearly 6,000 people are in pre-trial detention, including 113 women and 135 juveniles among them. Overall, these numbers represent a 40 percent increase from August.
“Most of those in pre-trial detention, representing a third of the total prison population, are detention with no access to justice. These numbers do not include the approximately 3,243 immigrants who are arbitrarily detained in government-run detention centers,” he added.
Mr. Bathily said the Libyan authorities should guarantee due process and justice for people detained on credible charges. He also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those in arbitrary detention.
