UN extends Libya mission to 2025 amid calls for political progress

The United Nations Security Council has extended UNSMIL’s mandate until 31 October 2025, following the previous mandate’s expiration in January, amidst ongoing efforts to unite Libya’s divided institutions.

At a Security Council session, UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo outlined persistent challenges, notably the continued institutional fragmentation and the failure to establish a unified national budget.

Diplomatic representatives offered diverse perspectives on Libya’s circumstances. The American delegate endorsed UNSMIL’s work towards resolving the political deadlock and supported recent sanctions against those exploiting Libya’s oil resources. Russia’s representative, meanwhile, urged the incoming UN envoy to maintain neutrality whilst calling for enhanced protection of Libya’s frozen assets.

Libya’s UN Ambassador Taher Al-Sunni, commenting on Hanna Tetteh’s appointment as the tenth UN envoy, called for Security Council reflection on this unprecedented number of appointments. He emphasised the necessity for a clear political roadmap anchored in existing agreements, citing successful municipal elections as evidence of Libya’s electoral capabilities.

Al-Sunni contended that foreign interference had prevented national elections, characterising Libya as a battleground for regional powers. He emphasised the importance of ensuring transparent representation in the advisory committee and establishing a definitive path towards elections.

UNSMIL has maintained a central role in Libya’s political transition since 2011, though the country continues to face significant challenges in achieving political unity and institutional stability.