Tripoli: The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Libya, Hanna Tetteh, has stated that the diversion of subsidized fuel is an unacceptable misuse of public resources, demanding an investigation into those responsible. Tetteh emphasized that the burden of such practices should not fall on the Libyan people.
According to Libyan News Agency, during her briefing to the UN Security Council on the situation in Libya, Tetteh highlighted significant power outages that have affected large parts of the country, leading to disruptions in electricity and water supplies for hundreds of thousands of Libyans. She attributed the scheduled power cuts to the loss of power-generation capacity due to fuel shortages and reduced gas availability, coupled with pressure on the already fragile electricity grid. This situation presents a stark contrast in a nation with Africa's largest oil reserves.
Tetteh noted that despite Libya spending nearly $1 billion per month on fuel imports, as reported by the National Oil Corporation, the electricity networks continue to experience fuel shortages. She stressed the importance of enhanced oversight and accountability to ensure that subsidized fuel is utilized appropriately for essential services, as evidenced by the diversion of large quantities of fuel.
The electricity crisis has sparked widespread public discontent across Libya, especially in the west, where organized civil disobedience, including road closures and strikes, occurred from July 26 to 29. Tetteh also addressed the resignation request by the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya on August 9, urging serious attention to the concerns raised.
Tetteh warned against increasing recurrent spending without consideration, emphasizing the need for fiscal discipline. She highlighted the potential of the Unified Development Program in managing oil revenues effectively and called for adherence to its framework by Libya's House of Representatives and State Council.
In terms of security, Tetteh described the western coast's situation as fragile, citing clashes in Zawiya and Sorman and the concerning use of drones targeting the Zawiya Oil Refinery. She called for accountability for the assassination of Major General Fawzi Al-Mansouri and welcomed the July meeting in Sirte aimed at unifying the military institution.
On human rights, Tetteh urged stronger protection for women, investigations into detention facility violations, and improved conditions for detainees. She also addressed migration issues, warning against anti-migrant rhetoric and urging Libya to protect humanitarian spaces and uphold obligations toward refugees and migrants.
Tetteh concluded that while the roadmap has progressed, its completion requires political will, compromise from Libyan parties, and sustained international support. She acknowledged that implementation might take longer than expected.