Abdoulaye Bathily, the special representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), issued a strong call on Saturday for Libyan leaders to unite in their efforts to rebuild a resilient and united nation.
In a statement marking the 13th anniversary of the Feb. 17 revolution, Bathily emphasized the crucial importance of Libyan leaders acknowledging their responsibilities and being held accountable for their decisions, as these directly impact the lives of the Libyan people.
Highlighting the pressing need for the resolution of political disputes, Bathily stressed the urgency of Libyan leaders coming together to chart a path forward for a strong, united, and resilient Libya.
Expressing concern over the current state of affairs, Bathily cautioned that the existing status quo poses a significant threat to Libya’s unity. He underscored the fragility of Libyan institutions and the deep divisions within the nation, warning of the grave risks these pose to stability.
Bathily reiterated the imperative for the prompt formation of a unified government representing all regions of Libya to rebuild the social fabric and economy and to restore the nation’s sovereignty and dignity. He emphasized that further delays in this process are unacceptable to the Libyan people, who have endured prolonged waiting.
UNSMIL’s commitment to supporting the Libyan people in their pursuit of peace, justice, legitimate institutions, and inclusive governance was reaffirmed by Bathily.
The Feb. 17 revolution in 2011 marked the end of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime, following clashes between his forces and armed rebels. However, Libya has since grappled with political instability and chaos, struggling to transition into a democracy.
The failure to hold general elections in December 2021 as scheduled, due to disagreements among Libyan parties over election laws, underscores the ongoing challenges facing the nation.
