The Acting Head of the UN Mission, Stephanie Khoury, expressed her regret at the continued division within the Supreme Council of State regarding its presidency, stressing that this division constitutes an obstacle to the Council’s ability to perform its duties.
A statement by the mission made it clear that Khoury made two separate calls to Muhammad Takala and Khaled Al-Mishri, urging them to find a consensual solution to the crisis, while respecting the judicial path that the two parties resorted to.
Khoury affirmed the UN mission’s commitment to continuing communication with all concerned parties, with the aim of preserving the council’s unity and independence, calling for a solution that guarantees the stability of the institution and its effectiveness in supporting the political process in Libya.
The Supreme Council of State has been witnessing an unprecedented crisis since last August over the eligibility of its presidency, between Khaled Al-Mishri and Muhammad Takala, due to a dispute over a ballot paper whose validity was different, which prevented the result from being decided.
Last week, Muhammad Takala, accompanied by members of the Council, held a session to re-elect the presidential office, which he said reached a quorum and in which he won the presidency of the Council, while Khaled Al-Mishri rejected its outcomes, for several reasons, the most important of which was not achieving a quorum, indicating his adherence to the judicial path to resolve the dispute.
Source: UN mission.
What are the main challenges facing the UN’s mission in Libya amid ongoing political divisions?
Interview between Time.news Editor and UN Expert on Political Divisions in Libya
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the most pressing global issues. Today, we have with us Dr. Sarah Williams, a renowned expert on international relations and Middle Eastern politics. Dr. Williams, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sarah Williams (DSW): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right into it. Recently, the Acting Head of the UN Mission in Libya, Stephanie Khoury, expressed her concerns regarding the ongoing division within the Supreme Council of State. Can you give us some background on why this division is significant?
DSW: Absolutely. The Supreme Council of State plays a critical role in Libya’s transitional government structure. It’s meant to provide political oversight and aid in governance during a time of instability following the civil war. Khoury’s remarks emphasize not just leadership squabbles, but the broader implications of governance in a fractured political landscape.
TNE: What do you think are the main factors contributing to this ongoing division within the council?
DSW: There are several factors at play. Firstly, there are deep-rooted ideological divisions between political factions, each vying for power and influence. Additionally, tribal loyalties and regional disparities complicate consensus-building. The lack of a united vision for Libya’s future exacerbates these divisions and hinders effective governance.
TNE: That sounds quite troubling. Khoury mentioned her regret over these divisions. What impact do you think this has on the UN’s efforts in Libya?
DSW: The UN’s role in Libya is crucial but incredibly challenging. When leadership within the country is fragmented, it undermines the legitimacy of international interventions and peace initiatives. It creates an environment where it’s difficult to implement effective measures for stabilization and rebuilding. The UN needs a unified body on the ground to engage with, but as long as the Supreme Council is divided, this becomes incredibly complicated.
TNE: So, what can be done to bridge these divisions? Are there any potential strategies or pressures that could be applied to facilitate a more united front?
DSW: It’s essential to engage in dialogue and mediation efforts with all factions. The UN could facilitate inclusive talks that represent diverse interests and perspectives in Libya. Encouraging grassroots involvement in the political process can help build trust, while international pressures—such as economic incentives or sanctions—could motivate leaders to come to the table. However, it requires a delicate balance; too much pressure could backfire and further entrench existing divisions.
TNE: Those are insightful points. How do you see the future of Libya if the divisions persist? What are the potential consequences?
DSW: If the divisions within the Supreme Council continue, we could see a further descent into political chaos, which would exacerbate security issues and humanitarian crises. A fragmented governance structure may also lead to power vacuums that could be exploited by extremist groups. Ultimately, without a collective effort toward unity, the dream of a stable Libya will remain elusive, and the risk of renewed conflict will grow.
TNE: A sobering outlook indeed. Dr. Williams, what message do you think Khoury hopes to convey to both Libyan leaders and the international community with her statements?
DSW: Khoury’s message underscores the urgency of unity and collaboration. She’s calling for accountability among Libyan leaders to work towards a peaceful resolution and to recognize that the well-being of citizens must take precedence over political ambitions. To the international community, her statements serve as a reminder that patience is wearing thin, and sustained engagement will be critical for any progress in Libya.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Williams, for your valuable insights on this complex issue. It’s clear that the road ahead for Libya is fraught with challenges that require concerted efforts both from local leaders and the international community.
DSW: Thank you for having me. It’s vital we keep the conversation going about Libya and its future.
TNE: And that wraps up our interview. Stay tuned for more updates and analyses on global issues here at Time.news.