UN and AU back Libyan-led efforts towards elections and stability

The African Union and the United Nations have renewed their commitment to supporting stability in Libya following their annual high-level conference in New York.

In a joint statement released after the meeting at UN Headquarters, both organisations said they welcomed recent progress on national reconciliation and the wider political process.

The conference, convened at the invitation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, reviewed a range of regional peace and security challenges, with developments in Libya high on the agenda.

The AU and UN praised continuing African Union efforts to promote reconciliation among Libya’s communities. They said that expanding community participation remains essential to creating conditions that would allow the political track to move forward.

The UN also reaffirmed its support for the roadmap intended to prepare the country for national elections, describing credible polls as a necessary step towards ending the transitional phase and restoring long-term political stability.

The statement noted the recent signing of the Libyan National Peace and Reconciliation Charter by several political and military actors, calling it an important development in efforts to consolidate stability.

Both organisations urged stronger coordination among international partners, particularly through the International Follow-up Committee on Libya and its working groups, to ensure coherent support for a political process that is led and owned by Libyans.

The statement concluded by stressing that progress in Libya depends on cooperation between national institutions and regional and international partners. It said sustained dialogue, reconciliation, and institutional readiness remain key to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.