UN: concerns over deteriorating situation in Libya
Stephanie Khoury, acting head of the UN’s political mission in Libya (UNSMIL), expressed concern to the Security Council on August 20th about Libya’s worsening economic and security situation, as reported by The Arab Weekly and agencies.
She condemned the “unilateral actions” of Libya’s political, military, and security figures, highlighting the clashes between armed groups in Tripoli and efforts to remove the Central Bank governor.
Khoury is a special envoy in an interim capacity of UNSMIL until a successor is named to Abdoulaye Bathily, who resigned on April 16th, citing a “lack of political will and good faith” by the major Libyan leaders.
Read: Libya’s central bank shuts down after kidnapping of official
Libya has been divided since 2014 between a U.N.-backed government based in the capital, Tripoli, and rival authorities in the east. The internationally recognized government is headquartered in Tripoli, while an eastern faction, allied with military commander Khalifa Hafter, has its base in Benghazi.
The current deteriorating political and economic situation now jeopardizes the UN-mediated political transition and further entrenches “institutional and political divisions.”
Khoury predicts “greater political, financial and security instability” since there is no renewal of political talks leading to a unified government and elections. She said that due to this status quo, Libyans cannot withdraw money from banks and meet their daily needs; many fear war erupting again.
The Arab Weekly/agencies
