Libya: eastern government calls for UN’s departure from nation

The head of the government in eastern Libya, Osama Hammad, has called for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to leave the nation immediately, according to the Tripoli based outlet the Libya Observer on June 26th.

Hammad gave multiple reasons he was asking UNSMIL to leave Libya, but emphasised that the mission had overreached its authority when at a UN Security Council meeting, the budget of Libya’s Reconstruction Fund was discussed.

UNSMIL originally arrived in Libya to reconcile the divided nation and assist in facilitating democratic elections.

Hammad argued that the UN bringing the budget for the Fund into their discussions at a Security Council meeting undermines the elected House of Representatives, showing a lack of faith in Libya’s sovereignty.

Members of the House of Representatives met on June 16th to discuss the reconstruction plan for Libya and the budget for the Fund.

The Development and Reconstruction fund is directed by the son of General Khalifa Hafta, who commands the Libyan National Army that is aligned with the eastern government headed by Hammad.

Hammad urged the international community to respect that only the House of Representatives has the right to approve budgets for national projects.

According to the Libya Observer, he stated that the mission is “disregarding the will of the people” and aligning itself with “illegitimate authorities.”

The UN has long backed the rivalling government in Tripoli, which the eastern government views as illegitimate and corrupt.

In his statement, Hammad also called for UNSMIL’s departure due to them ignoring violence and attacks on civilians in Tripoli.

Although the UN has previously backed the Tripoli government consistently, they did recently raise alarm over arbitrary arrests the government was making. On March 24th Maghrebi reported that UNSMIL had expressed concern over individuals being targeted for arrest based on political affiliations, calling it “unlawful”.

UNSMIL was also accused by Hammad of ignoring protesters demands and facilitating “absurd and irresponsible” policies.

Hammad reiterated his government’s commitment to hold elections that have been promised to the Libyan people. The delays in elections are part of why UNSMIL residency in Libya has been extended, and the UN has also been calling for elections to take place.

Libya Observer/Maghrebi