Libya Blasts UN Over Stall in Political Roadmap
(MENAFN) Libya’s UN envoy, Taher El-Sonni, voiced strong dissatisfaction Tuesday over the continued absence of a defined political roadmap from the United Nations to resolve Libya’s ongoing crisis.
Speaking after UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh’s detailed Security Council briefing, El-Sonni criticized the lack of tangible progress, calling her update unremarkable.
"While we welcome Madamme Tetteh's efforts along with her team to find practical solutions to overcome the current political impasse, however, we cannot disguise the truth that until now there is no political plan and there is no clear roadmap that was offered to the Libyans," El-Sonni told the Security Council.
He stressed that Libyans had anticipated a clear plan during Tuesday’s session and were disappointed by its absence.
"The Libyans are still waiting for this from you at a faster pace," he said, emphasizing widespread expectations that a roadmap would finally be introduced.
In her remarks to the Council, Tetteh stated she intends to unveil a political roadmap at her next briefing—tentatively scheduled for August.
Although acknowledging the urgency felt by many Libyans, Tetteh said a thorough "consultative process" was necessary before releasing the plan.
But El-Sonni warned that this timeline amounts to an extended vacuum in leadership and action.
He highlighted the timeline: Abdoulaye Bathily resigned as special representative in April 2024; it wasn’t until February 2025 that Tetteh assumed the role. With the plan now postponed until August, no political process would have taken place for nearly a year and a half.
"And if we were to count the months, we are talking about almost a year and a half with the absence of a real political process in Libya. I don't think the situation in Libya can tolerate this," he said. "We understand the challenges. However, it is urgent."
El-Sonni clarified that his criticism extended beyond Tetteh herself, addressing the broader responsibility of the United Nations and the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
"This is not an institutional factor for us to spend over a year and a half being held hostage as we await the appointment of representatives and then witness the continued absence of practical solutions. This is the collective responsibility upon everyone, including this (Security) Council," he said.
UNSMIL has faced repeated leadership disruptions due to a series of resignations by top envoys prior to Tetteh's appointment. Further complicating efforts, the Security Council failed to reach consensus on meaningful mandate renewals for the mission during 2021 and 2022.
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