New York, October 15, 2025 – In a briefing to the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, Hanna Tetteh, the UN Special Representative for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), provided an update on the North African nation's ongoing political and security challenges. Tetteh highlighted a recent de-escalation in tensions, crediting local and international mediation efforts, with particular praise for Türkiye's role in facilitating a key agreement. However, she underscored the fragility of the situation, urging swift action on a political roadmap to avoid further delays that could derail stability.
The briefing comes at a critical juncture for Libya, a country that has been mired in conflict and division since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The ensuing power vacuum led to years of civil war, foreign interventions, and the emergence of rival governments: the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli, based in the west, and the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by General Khalifa Haftar in the east. This institutional split has exacerbated economic woes, including disputes over oil revenues, and hindered national elections repeatedly promised but postponed.
Tetteh opened her remarks by expressing relief over the recent calming of hostilities. "I am pleased to report that tensions have eased thanks to combined mediation efforts by both local and international partners, and I would like to commend the interventions from the Government of Türkiye," she stated directly to the council members. This acknowledgment spotlights Türkiye's growing influence in Libya, where it has provided military support to the Tripoli-based authorities under a 2019 maritime and security agreement. Ankara's involvement has often been contentious, drawing criticism from other regional players like Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, who back Haftar's forces.
The specific incident Tetteh referenced occurred on September 13, when mediation by local actors, bolstered by Turkish support, led to the implementation of an understanding between conflicting parties. This agreement resulted in the withdrawal of armed forces from civilian areas around Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, a key flashpoint that had seen clashes disrupting air travel and civilian life. Additionally, detainees held during the skirmishes were handed over to the Attorney General's Office, marking a step toward accountability and de-escalation. Mitiga, Tripoli's sole functioning airport since the destruction of the main international airport in 2014 fighting, has symbolized the country's fractured infrastructure. Its brief seizure by militias earlier in the month had raised alarms about a return to widespread violence.
While welcoming this development, Tetteh cautioned against complacency. "I welcome this progress; however, the situation remains very fragile," she warned. Libya's security landscape is indeed precarious, dominated by a web of militias, tribal affiliations, and foreign mercenaries. The presence of Wagner Group fighters (now rebranded as Africa Corps under Russian influence) in the east, alongside Turkish drones and advisors in the west, illustrates the international proxy dynamics at play. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have documented ongoing violations, such as arbitrary detentions and attacks on migrants in detention centers, which Tetteh's report implicitly ties to the need for unified governance.
Shifting to electoral developments, Tetteh praised the resilience of ordinary Libyans amid these challenges. She welcomed their determination to "choose their legitimate representatives through democratic means to enable a peaceful transfer of power at the municipal level." This grassroots push for democracy is evident in recent local polls. On August 23, municipal council elections were successfully conducted in seven municipalities in the Zawiya area, west of Tripoli. Zawiya, an oil-rich coastal city, has been a hotspot for smuggling and militia activity, making these votes a test of local stability. Voter turnout figures were not detailed in the briefing, but UNSMIL reports indicate participation from diverse candidates, including women and youth, signaling incremental progress in civic engagement.
Further elections are slated for Saturday in 16 additional municipalities across eastern and southern Libya, regions largely under Haftar's control. These include towns like Tobruk and Sabha, where logistical hurdles such as insecurity and displaced populations pose risks. If completed without major incidents, these polls could build momentum for national elections, which have been stalled since December 2021 due to disputes over eligibility laws and constitutional frameworks. The UN has long advocated for a unified electoral law to enable presidential and parliamentary votes, but rival factions have blocked consensus.
Tetteh's briefing delved deeper into the structural barriers impeding Libya's recovery. She drew sharp attention to the "detrimental impact of parallel and competing institutions," a euphemism for the east-west divide that duplicates everything from central banks to judicial bodies. Libya effectively operates with two constitutional judicial mechanisms: the Supreme Constitutional Court in Tripoli and a parallel entity in Benghazi. This duality creates "legal uncertainty," as Tetteh described, undermining contracts, investment, and the rule of law. For instance, oil revenue distribution—Libya's economic lifeline, producing around 1.2 million barrels per day—remains contested, with the National Oil Corporation split until a fragile reunification in 2022.
Businesses and international investors, deterred by this ambiguity, have slowed reconstruction efforts. The World Bank estimates Libya's GDP contraction since 2011 at over 50%, with unemployment hovering at 20% and inflation exacerbated by currency manipulation. Tetteh noted that such fragmentation erodes state institutions, echoing concerns raised in previous UN reports about the hollowing out of public services. Health and education systems suffer similarly, with hospitals in the south relying on ad hoc foreign aid amid migrant crises—Libya hosts over 700,000 migrants, many en route to Europe, facing exploitation and abuse.
On the political front, Tetteh referenced the roadmap presented by UNSMIL in August, a comprehensive plan to guide Libya toward stability. The roadmap outlines key milestones: adopting a sound and politically viable electoral framework, unifying divided institutions, and conducting structured inter-Libyan dialogue. As of Tuesday's briefing, progress has been insufficient, with Tetteh urging "all Libyan leaders" to prioritize it. "Libya cannot afford continued delays or disruptions in the completion of the roadmap," she asserted emphatically.
Key figures in this stalemate include Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh of the GNU, appointed in 2021 via a UN-backed process, and Aguila Saleh, speaker of the eastern House of Representatives, who often align with Haftar. Their rivalries have thwarted amendments to the 2017 electoral laws, which disqualify dual nationals and military figures—provisions seen as targeting Haftar. The UN's frustration is palpable; previous special representatives like Ghassan Salamé resigned citing obstructions.
Looking ahead, Tetteh announced UNSMIL's intention to convene structured dialogue sessions in November. These will cover four pillars: governance reforms, economic stabilization (including fair resource allocation), security sector integration (disarming militias and forming a national army), and national reconciliation (addressing wartime atrocities through truth commissions). Such dialogues echo the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement, which established the GNU but failed to endure. Participation from civil society, women (who comprise 30% of municipal candidates), and youth is crucial, as emphasized in UN Resolution 2702, which extends UNSMIL's mandate until October 2026.
Security Council members responded with measured support. The United States, represented by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, welcomed the September 13 truce and electoral steps, stressing the need for reunifying institutions, including a single government. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on spoiler actors and supports counterterrorism efforts against ISIS remnants in the south. The United Kingdom echoed this, highlighting arms embargo violations documented by UN panels, where smuggled weapons fuel cycles of violence.
China, a major infrastructure investor pre-2011, praised mediation efforts and called for inclusive dialogue respectful of sovereignty. Greece, Denmark, and Pakistan rounded out the consensus, with Pakistan—drawing from its own mediation experiences—emphasizing economic recovery to prevent youth radicalization. Russia and France, permanent members with stakes in energy contracts, abstained from direct criticism but aligned on unity.
Libya's crisis has global ramifications. As Europe's closest oil supplier across the Mediterranean, instability drives migration flows—over 100,000 crossings attempted in 2024 alone—and energy price volatility. The EU has allocated €100 million in aid, focusing on border management, while the African Union pushes for African-led solutions.
Experts like Claudia Gazzini of the International Crisis Group note that while local ceasefires like the Mitiga deal offer breathing room, without addressing root causes like militia economies and foreign meddling, relapse is likely. Tetteh's briefing thus serves as both a progress report and a clarion call. With elections on the horizon and dialogues planned, the coming months will test Libyan leaders' commitment.
In conclusion, while tensions have eased marginally due to adept mediation—including Türkiye's pivotal role—the path forward demands urgent, unified action. Delays in the UNSMIL roadmap risk entrenching division, perpetuating suffering for Libya's 7 million people. As Tetteh implored, the international community must sustain pressure for reconciliation, ensuring that fragile gains translate into lasting peace. The Security Council's unified stance signals hope, but execution lies with Libyans themselves.
