UN Envoy Hanna Tetteh affirmed that holding those responsible for attacks against civilians in Tripoli or for obstructing the political process accountable is crucial for creating the necessary conditions to advance the political process in Libya.
Call for a coordinated international stance:
In press statements to Al-Wasat platform, Tetteh clarified that Libya urgently requires a unified and coordinated international stance to circumvent any obstacles or unilateral actions that might impede its path towards elections. She underscored the necessity of continuing to mobilise all active international parties to support this process and to work towards building a consensus that assists Libya in strengthening its democratic trajectory.
Tetteh added that the UN mission’s mandate is limited to facilitating the political process, not acting as a decision-maker. She noted that the mission’s authority does not independently permit it to take actions to appoint or dismiss governments, affirming that this authority rests solely with the Libyan people and must emanate through a Libyan-led political process facilitated by the United Nations.
Tetteh pointed out that the recent Berlin meeting conveyed a strong message: the international community supports a Libyan-led solution and is prepared to assist with such an initiative. She indicated the international community’s readiness to consider adopting appropriate measures, including sanctions, against anyone obstructing progress, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions.
Tetteh encouraged avoiding unilateral actions and further divisions, which have historically proven counterproductive. She stated that the current phase necessitates unifying the country and its institutions under a single government possessing strong, unified, and accountable state institutions.
Roadmap towards stability:
Regarding the roadmap, Tetteh stated that it is being finalised for submission to the Security Council, whose endorsement can enhance its legitimacy. She noted that building consensus takes time, and the mission is not seeking an elitist agreement, but rather aiming to ensure the broadest possible consultation with the Libyan people and their support for the roadmap.
Tetteh affirmed that the delay in presenting the roadmap is not due to inaction but to necessary caution to ensure legitimacy, inclusivity, and sustainability. She noted their full awareness of the volatile security situation in the capital and western regions, stressing their desire not to allow this process to ignite further violence.
She mentioned that the mission is balancing all factors to ensure progress in the political track, concurrently working with the Truce Committee to maintain calm and prevent any further escalation.
She added that if acceptance of the roadmap is secured from various parties before August, a request will be made to bring forward the Security Council meeting to announce and formally launch it.
Tetteh opined that developing the political process involves extensive consultations on the Advisory Committee’s proposals to ensure all voices are heard and balance is achieved in the fragmented political landscape. She anticipated that gaining consensus from key stakeholders would take some time, especially given the wide divergence in views on the optimal option.
Elections as a “means,” not an “end”:
Tetteh clarified that elections, in other parts of the world, when not well organised and managed, have been drivers of social unrest and conflict. She affirmed that they are “not an end in themselves but a means,” and for this reason, the mission has actively engaged through multiple tracks to support Libya’s transition towards peace, unity, and democratic governance.
She stressed that they have worked with international and regional organisations to ensure a more unified and supportive stance from key international parties to advance a political solution. The mission aims to present a time-bound, practical, and comprehensive roadmap that can serve as a basis for legislative and institutional reforms leading to elections.
She added that the roadmap outlines the necessary steps to activate the preferred option for the majority of Libyans in the shortest possible time, without compromising the key procedures required for credible and inclusive elections, and includes mechanisms for monitoring and implementation with international support.
Tetteh asserted that the success of this process depends on political parties demonstrating the political will to commit to participating in elections, regardless of the final agreed arrangement.
She emphasised that rushing the political process and roadmap threatens to undermine their legitimacy and sustainability. She affirmed the necessity for the roadmap to be the product of a comprehensive and meaningful consultative process, and to be built on consensus regarding the way forward towards holding elections and unifying institutions.
Tetteh indicated that advancing the political process has become urgent, affirming her full understanding of the frustration expressed by many Libyans.
Financial stability and sound governance:
Tetteh warned that unilateral financial decisions risk exacerbating tensions and further undermining financial stability, especially in the context of fragmented institutions and the absence of a unified budget. This comes at a time when Libyans suffer from a lack of agreement on spending and a unified budget, which has led to insufficient resource allocation for municipalities and government agencies.
She also cautioned against the daily consequences of uncontrolled spending, such as the erosion of currency value and the diminished purchasing power of individuals whose income is solely in Libyan dinars. She encouraged the adoption of accountable, transparent, and coordinated governance, advocating for fiscal and monetary responsibility.
She added that entrenched interests and prolonged transitional periods have contributed to creating a political economy based on stagnation.
Resource distribution and sustainable development:
The UN Envoy stressed that any political settlement must lead to an equitable allocation of resources, which will foster sustainable development. This also necessitates strong institutional oversight. She added that fair, transparent, and equitable distribution of national wealth is pivotal for achieving sound governance and promoting peace, prosperity, and stability in Libya.
She also indicated that equitable and sustainable development is essential for meeting people’s needs and helping to realise their aspirations.
She added that inclusive and accountable sound governance means a government that listens to and understands people’s needs and uses public policies and legislation to meet them. She affirmed that this is the path to prosperity that includes everyone and is not limited to a few, starting with a unified national budget and transparent financial governance.
Tetteh affirmed that sound governance and effective public financial management will help Libya present a strong case for lifting the freeze on its international assets to support the country’s growth and development.
Finally, Tetteh expressed the mission’s support for the unification and independence of oversight bodies such as the Libyan Audit Bureau, to ensure enhanced accountability.