UN Libya envoy warns Security Council of political deadlock, economic strain
14/10/2026 | 20:54:01
New York, Oct. 14 (Petra) -- The United Nations Security Council convened on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Libya, receiving a briefing from Hanna Tetteh, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
During its monthly meeting on Libya, tracking political progress toward elections alongside security and economic developments, Tetteh warned that significant challenges persist.
"These challenges are exacerbated by the continued refusal of some parties to engage constructively, as well as the use of inflammatory rhetoric and disinformation," Tetteh said, warning that such actions risk hardening political stances, eroding willingness to compromise, and justifying unilateral measures that could derail the political process or spark violence.
The UN envoy referenced an agreement signed by participants during a select meeting on Aug. 30, which marked a breakthrough in the prolonged political and institutional stalemate. Despite broad endorsement from national and international stakeholders, the High Council of State rejected the agreement on Oct. 5.
Tetteh noted that ongoing institutional and political fragmentation continues to weigh heavily on Libya's security and economy.
"While global oil prices should have generated substantial windfalls in public revenue benefiting all, many Libyans are instead facing an erosion of their purchasing power," she added.
Warning that the overall security landscape remains fragile, the Special Representative nevertheless welcomed positive steps toward military cooperation between military and security institutions in the eastern region.
The meeting was attended by Libya's Permanent Representative to the UN alongside Security Council member states.
//Petra// AF