Tripoli: The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has firmly denied allegations that any donor country influences the direction of the political process in Libya. In a recent statement, UNSMIL addressed public concerns by detailing the mechanisms of funding for UN programs in the country, countering what it described as “disinformation campaigns” aimed at discrediting the financial sources backing the political process.
According to Libyan News Agency, UNSMIL emphasized that the United Nations receives funding through a regular budget, which consists of assessed contributions from all 193 member states, alongside specific voluntary contributions from various countries for targeted programs. The mission highlighted that these funds are governed by a stringent global financial oversight system designed to ensure impartiality, transparency, and prevent any misuse.
UNSMIL further elaborated that all funds allocated to its programs in Libya are subjected to standardized oversight mechanisms, which in
clude mandatory reporting, multi-layered approvals, and independent auditing. These procedures, as per the mission, guarantee the integrity and transparency of UN operations worldwide.
The mission acknowledged receiving voluntary contributions from member states to support several significant initiatives aimed at benefiting the Libyan people, including the political process, de-mining activities, institutional reforms, and electoral support. To date, at least 13 countries and regional organizations have contributed voluntarily to UNSMIL, specifically for the political process and civic engagement.
UNSMIL categorically stated that no donor country has any influence over the political process’s direction, including its agenda, participants, or outcomes, by virtue of their contributions. The mission’s role remains to provide an inclusive and professional platform for Libyans from diverse regions and backgrounds to address crucial issues for a peaceful and prosperous future.
Condemning attempts to manipulate p
ublic opinion through false narratives, UNSMIL urged all Libyan stakeholders to unite in restoring power to the Libyan people. It clarified that voluntary contributions to the political process are managed under the ‘Assistance to the Political Dialogue and Civic Engagement’ project, initiated in April 2015, supporting political and civic engagement activities.