“Hey y’all! It’s time for Libyan leaders to prioritize the country over themselves,” urges top envoy at Security Council
Efforts to foster dialogue and address the concerns of Libyan politicians are being met with “stubborn resistance, unreasonable expectations and indifference” on their part, contrary to the national interest, the UN envoy to the North African nation said on Tuesday.
Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily told the Security Council that since the end of 2022, UN-led efforts to resolve Libya’s political crisis have encountered national and regional pushbacks, “revealing an intentional defiance to engage in earnest and a tenacity to perpetually delay elections”.
“With a deep sense of disappointment, it is disheartening to witness individuals in positions of power putting their personal interests above the needs of their country,” he said.
He emphasized the necessity for Libyan leaders to prioritize national interests over personal ones, urging them to reach a political settlement through negotiations and compromise.
“We cannot allow the aspirations of 2.8 million registered Libyan voters to be overshadowed by the narrow interests of a few,” he added.
Entrenched positions persist
Mr. Bathily told ambassadors the five key Libyan stakeholders – Mohamed Takala, President of the High Council of State; Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, Government of National Unity Prime Minister; Agila Saleh, Speaker of the House of Representatives; General Khalifa Haftar, Commander of the LNA; and Mohamed al-Menfi, President of the Presidential Council – have not budged from their preconditions to attend the talks.
“Despite continuous and extensive engagement with the main institutional actors, their persistent positions are significantly impeding efforts to advance the political process,” Mr. Bathily remarked.
He also noted that the complexities were exacerbated by an “apparent agreement” between the Mr. al-Menfi, Mr. Saleh and Mr. Takala, according to a joint statement following a trilateral meeting in March in Cairo, with which the UN was not associated.
“My subsequent discussions with the leaders who participated in the Cairo meeting revealed diverging interpretations of and lack of details on its outcome. There is also lack of buy-in among those Libyan leaders who were not part of the meeting,” he said.
Special Representative Bathily briefing the Security Council.
Economy ‘severely strained’
On the economic front, Mr. Bathily, who also heads the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), highlighted a worsening economic situation and warnings by the Central Bank of an impending liquidity crisis.
He informed ambassadors of a temporary surcharge on official foreign currency exchange, combined with the declining value of the Libyan dinar and restricted access to foreign currencies, which has fuelled public anger amid growing concerns over rising prices for essential goods and services.
“It is imperative for Libyan authorities to address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of persistent harmful economic and financial practices,” the UN envoy said, calling on the authorities to promptly agree a national budget and better manage State resources.
Tense security situation
Mr. Bathily also highlighted a tense security situation in several parts of the country, including major cities like Tripoli and Misrata.
“The presence of armed actors and heavy weaponry in Libya’s capital is of strong concern as it constitutes a significant threat to the safety of the civilian population,” he warned, emphasizing that any escalation of tensions in Libya would exacerbate instability not only in Chad, Niger, and Sudan but also across the wider region of the Sahel.
He also voiced concern over the continuing plight of migrants as well as a sharp rise in abductions, disappearances, and arbitrary arrests against a backdrop of entrenched impunity that has undermined fundamental freedoms.
Lila Montgomery is a celebrated journalist who has a deep commitment to global affairs and humanitarian issues. Her extensive reporting on United Nations initiatives across the globe has brought critical stories to the forefront, stories that affect communities everywhere.
It’s truly disheartening to see Libyan leaders prioritizing their personal interests over the greater good of their nation. They must set aside their egos and work towards a political settlement for the well-being of their people.
As a firm believer in diplomacy and conflict resolution, I find it extremely troubling to see Libyan politicians resisting dialogue and prioritizing personal gains over the well-being of their country. It is crucial for leaders to set aside their differences and work towards a political settlement that serves the national interests of Libya. Only through genuine negotiations and compromise can they pave a way for a stable and prosperous future for their nation.
Why are Libyan politicians showing stubborn resistance instead of fostering dialogue for the national interest?
Politicians often prioritize personal interests over national interests due to power dynamics and self-preservation instincts. It’s a common challenge in conflict-ridden regions where leaders struggle to let go of their privileges for the greater good.
As an avid follower of international affairs, I commend Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily for his insightful remarks. It is crucial for Libyan leaders to prioritize their nation’s interests over personal gains. The current resistance and delays in implementing necessary actions only hinder the progress towards stability and prosperity for the Libyan people.
“It’s about time Libyan leaders start prioritizing the country over themselves. The stubborn resistance, unreasonable expectations, and indifference shown by politicians only hinder progress. It’s disappointing to see personal interests taking precedence over national needs. Leaders must prioritize the nation, engage in negotiations, and reach a political settlement for the well-being of Libya.”
“I absolutely agree with the Special Representative Bathily. It’s crucial for Libyan leaders to prioritize the well-being of their nation over personal gain. The stubborn resistance and indifference shown by some politicians are hindering the progress towards achieving stability and prosperity for Libya. National interests should always come first.”
Do Libyan politicians understand the urgency of the situation and the needs of the people, or are they solely focused on their personal gains?
It’s truly disappointing to see Libyan politicians continue to prioritize their personal interests over the needs of their country. They must set aside their stubborn attitudes and engage in meaningful dialogue for the sake of the nation’s future.
As a political science student, it is crucial for Libyan leaders to set aside their personal ambitions and prioritize the greater good of their nation. The current impedance faced in the political dialogue only prolongs the suffering of the Libyan people and undermines their democratic rights. It is disappointing to see a lack of willingness to compromise and engage in meaningful discussions for the benefit of the entire country.
“I completely agree with Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily. It’s crucial for Libyan leaders to set aside their personal agendas and focus on serving the people. The stubbornness and indifference displayed by politicians in the face of national crises is unacceptable. It’s time for a real commitment to dialogue and compromise to pave the way for a brighter future for Libya.”