Progress towards credible elections in Libya is impossible without an agreement between the key political players, the UN’s top envoy to the north African country said on Thursday.
They must put aside self-interest, negotiate in good faith and reach an agreement on a unified government, while also ensuring national polls go ahead to avoid it from “sliding into disintegration”, Abdoulaye Bathily told ambassadors on the Security Council.
“I call on their sense of moral duty to negotiate and reach a compromise to restore the dignity of their motherland,” he said.
“Reluctance to do so calls into question not only their commitment to the elections, but to the unity and future of their country for which they should be held accountable.”
Bathily reiterated UN’s readiness to consider proposals that could lead to a solution based on a peaceful and inclusive settlement.
He highlighted that the Security Council and the international community have a “critical role” to play in pressuring Libyan leaders to engage constructively.
“Alignment and support from regional partners are particularly important,” he said.
“Parallel initiatives can only be useful if they support the UN efforts, lest they be used by Libyan actors as a means to perpetuate the status quo.”
He also briefed ambassadors on the humanitarian and human rights situation in Libya, noting the continuing plight of migrants and asylum seekers and an increase in refugees from Sudan.
On the security front, hundreds of Chadian mercenaries and foreign fighters reportedly returned from Libya to Chad, however, security in southern Libya remains alarming due to the crises in Sudan and the vast Sahel region.
The “fragile security” in the capital, Tripoli, also remains under threat with security actors trying to achieve “territorial control” over strategic areas, where military bases and State institutions are located, Mr. Bathily said.