New York – Hannah Tetteh is the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya. She briefed the UN Security Council on Friday. Tetteh emphasized the urgent need to implement the political roadmap. She stressed the importance of completing the High National Elections Commission board. Agreement on the constitutional and legal framework for elections is also vital.
Tetteh also mentioned a structured dialogue. It was launched in Tripoli on December 14 and 15. This dialogue gathered a broad spectrum of Libyans. 124 members participated. They represented various institutions, civil society, and political parties. Academics and cultural and linguistic components were also present. The dialogue aimed to define guiding principles for state-building. It sought to formulate political and legislative recommendations. These covered governance, economy, security, and national reconciliation.
Tetteh informed the Security Council about the divided financial situation. She highlighted the need to improve security. She expressed deep concern over human rights violations. Deaths in detention were also a major worry.
Tetteh explained her engagement with Libyan parties. She had contacted them since presenting the roadmap. This was on August 21. Her goal was to discuss cooperation in implementing the roadmap. She noted that many challenges hinder its progress.
Tetteh affirmed her efforts. She aimed to reconstitute the High National Elections Commission board. She also sought to review and ratify amendments. These concerned the constitutional and legal framework for elections. These efforts were based on recommendations. An advisory committee formed by the mission earlier this year made these. However, her endeavors in this direction yielded no results. This was despite her contact with the House of Representatives and the High Council of State.
Tetteh stated in her briefing: Committees from both councils reached an agreement. This happened in late November. The agreement outlined the mechanism for selecting the commission’s board members. The selection process should have been completed by December 11. This did not happen. It was due to a lack of trust between the two councils. They were unable to overcome their disagreements.
Tetteh emphasized the necessity of a complete HNEC board. This is crucial for conducting the country’s most important elections. The legal framework requires all regions of Libya to be represented on the board.
Tetteh commended the agreement signed by representatives. These were from the House of Representatives and the High Council of State. The agreement establishes a unified development program. This program serves as a joint framework for development spending. It was signed on November 18. This step will curb the ongoing financial division in Libya. This division undermines economic stability and the Libyan Dinar. It weakens service delivery. It also erodes public trust in state institutions.
Tetteh reiterated the mission’s support for Libyan institutions. This support aims to unify and strengthen the country’s divided oversight structure. It also encourages continued dialogue. The goal is to reach an agreement on a unified national budget.
She also praised the successful municipal council elections. She considered them an important step towards restoring local governance legitimacy. Tetteh expressed appreciation for the security agencies. They secured the municipal elections. This success provides an impetus for holding general national elections.
Tetteh noted that security in Tripoli remains fragile. This is despite agreements on security arrangements. She urged all concerned parties to work together. They must implement the agreed security arrangements. They must also move forward with necessary reforms for stability.
Tetteh concluded her briefing to the Security Council. She called on all Libyan leaders. They must respond to the demands of the Libyan people. They must rise above their disagreements. This is for the unity of the Libyan state. It is for its territorial integrity. It is also to provide a dignified life for the Libyan people.
She stated that true independence lies in the nation’s ability to shape its destiny. This is achieved through unity. It paves the way for building a secure, sovereign state. Such a state has a government supported by its majority citizens. It boasts renewed legitimacy and unified institutions.