New York:The UN Security Council has announced the extension of the mandate for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) until October 31, 2027. The Council expressed its full support for Hanna Tetteh, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the Mission, emphasizing her role in fostering an inclusive political process.
According to Libyan News Agency, the Security Council highlighted the progress made by UNSMIL in implementing strategic review recommendations. The Council encouraged the mission to maintain its focus on facilitating a political solution to the Libyan conflict and urged an enhanced presence throughout Libya, particularly in Benghazi, Sabha, and Sirte. These expansions are to be cost-neutral and within existing resource limits. The mission was also urged to increase engagement with stakeholders in eastern and southern Libya to support reunification efforts.
The Security Council further called for UNSMIL to explore options for improving efficiency and reallocating resources by prioritizing and restructuring tasks as needed. It also urged Libyan political institutions and stakeholders to engage fully and transparently in the negotiation process, without preconditions, to facilitate Libyan-led and owned negotiations. The goal is to conduct free, fair, transparent, and inclusive national presidential and parliamentary elections.