UN extends Libya mission to October 2027

Resolution supports efforts to unify state institutions and establish a single executive authority, alongside commitments to hold national elections within two years.

The UN Security Council has extended its political mission in Libya until 31 October 2027, backing efforts to reunify state institutions and urging Libyan parties to honour commitments towards presidential and parliamentary elections within 24 months.

Resolution 2835, adopted on Friday, 30 October, renews support for Hanna Tetteh, the UN secretary-general’s special representative and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Britain led negotiations on the text, which supports the formation of a single executive authority as part of efforts to end the country’s prolonged political transition.

Elections and a unified executive

The political effort centres on an agreement reached on 30 August through UN-facilitated talks known as the “4+4” process. It provides for changes to the electoral framework and the leadership of the High National Elections Commission, alongside preparations for national elections within two years.

The Council urges Libyan stakeholders to support the agreement and implement their commitments without delay. Those efforts encompass the reunification of national institutions, including the military, security services and judiciary, and the establishment of a single executive authority.

The text also calls for a broader UN presence across Libya, particularly in Benghazi, Sabha and Sirte, with greater engagement in the east and south. A dedicated economic section would continue addressing fuel smuggling, the diversion of public funds and the illicit exploitation of state resources.

Safeguarding oil wealth

Economic provisions place the protection of Libya’s oil wealth alongside the political settlement. The Council stresses that petroleum resources belong to all Libyans and calls for the National Oil Corporation to operate free from political interference or disruption.

It urges transparent, accountable and equitable management of oil and gas revenues, while safeguarding the independence of the Central Bank of Libya, the National Oil Corporation and the Audit Bureau.

The unified spending framework announced in April is identified as a step towards closer economic coordination, with further action needed to implement it. The text also warns against exploiting national resources for personal or political gain or using economic measures to pressure rival parties.

Civilian protection and security reform

The resolution expresses concern over reported deliberate attacks on critical civilian infrastructure in August and condemns the indiscriminate use of weapons and drones against civilian facilities and populated areas.

It reiterates that Libya’s crisis cannot be resolved militarily and calls on all sides to avoid violence or unilateral measures that could endanger civilians, aggravate tensions or undermine the October 2020 ceasefire.

The Council supports security-sector reform and the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, including cooperation on border security, information-sharing and joint training. It also calls for compliance with the arms embargo and the withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries.

Public services and human rights

The text raises concern over deteriorating living conditions and unreliable electricity, water and fuel supplies. It calls for protection for displaced people, migrants and refugees, including against arbitrary detention, abuse and trafficking, and for safe, unhindered humanitarian access.

Women’s participation in political negotiations and decision-making, the inclusion of young people and civil society, and protection for human rights defenders also feature in the resolution.

The Council calls for accountability for abuses and support for national reconciliation, transitional justice and judicial independence, while reaffirming Libya’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity.