In a move described as “throwing a stone into stagnant political waters,” the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) announced the formation of a “consultative committee” as part of its multi-track political initiative, just before its new envoy, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, officially begins her duties. The committee aims to propose solutions to unresolved contentious issues, paving the way for elections, amid international optimism and local caution.
Tasks of the Consultative Committee
UNSMIL outlined the tasks of the committee, composed of Libyan figures selected based on criteria including expertise in legal, constitutional, and electoral affairs, the ability to forge consensus, and consideration of geographical balance and women’s representation. The committee will work to provide technical and political solutions to lingering disputes, grounded in the Libyan Political Agreement, the roadmap of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, and the electoral laws known as “6+6.”
International Praise
The initiative received widespread international acclaim. The European Union praised the move as a “key facilitator of the political process,” urging Libyan institutions to support the committee’s work and shield it from “political interference.” U.S. Special Envoy to Libya Richard Norland welcomed the announcement, reaffirming Washington’s support for efforts to unify institutions and build a credible electoral path.
the British Embassy called on all parties to “avoid obstructing the committee’s work,” noting that its recommendations could advance national elections and a unified government. France endorsed the initiative, encouraging UNSMIL to continue mediating to “ensure Libya’s political unity,” stressing the urgency of restarting a Libyan-led political process to form a new unified government capable of organizing elections promptly.
Local cation
In contrast, Libya’s High State Council, a key political actor, expressed strong reservations. In a statement, it argued that forming the committee was not consensus and lacked clear criteria for member selection or a defined timeline. It warned that the move “adds another layer to the crisis” rather than resolving it, undermining chances for national consensus, particularly as the announced membership list “fails to reflect political balances or clear agreement,” rendering any outputs “insignificant” without legal or consensual foundations.
Questions linger over the committee’s potential impact amid sharp divisions, escalating criticism of the Government of National Unity accused of “normalization” with regional actors, and disputes over military operations in areas like Al-Agailat. Observers stress that the committee’s ability to navigate internal complexities and maintain neutrality will be the true test of its success in reviving Libya’s stalled political process.