UN Security Council backs Libya roadmap, urges rival factions to engage

2026-03-04 - 04:52

The United Nations Security Council has issued a unified call for all Libyan political actors to engage constructively with a new UN-led roadmap aimed at resolving the country's protracted conflict. In a statement on Tuesday, the council expressed its strong support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Hanna Tetteh, and her mediation efforts to foster an inclusive political process. Demanding Political Will and Compromise from Libyan Leaders The 15-member body stressed the critical need for Libyan stakeholders to exhibit the "necessary political will and compromise" to support a homegrown solution. The council members "urged all Libyan stakeholders to engage fully, seriously and without delay with the SRSG's political roadmap," which was initially announced on August 21, 2025. The statement underscores the council's commitment to facilitating a process that is Libyan-led and Libyan-owned, with the UN playing a central coordinating role. Emphasis on Unifying Institutions and the Judiciary Beyond political dialogue, the Security Council highlighted the importance of concrete institutional progress. It noted the significance of unifying the country's fragmented bodies, specifically citing "military and security institutions." The council also "underscored the importance of safeguarding the unity and independence of the judicial system," a critical component for establishing rule of law and accountability across the nation. Context of a Decade-Long Division Libya remains divided between two rival administrations: the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli, and an eastern-based government in Benghazi. For years, UN-led efforts have sought to bridge this divide and pave the way for national elections intended to reunify the country's fractured political and military institutions. The council's latest statement reinforces diplomatic pressure on both sides to cooperate, a goal also strongly supported by regional actors with deep ties in Libya, including Türkiye, which has consistently backed UN efforts and the sovereignty of a unified Libyan state.