Security Council Unsure On Overhaul In Libya; Extends UNSMIL Mandate Till 2022
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Roshan Amiri
- . October 1, 2021
- . Update: October 1, 2021 8:18 pm
Libya– The UN Security council has had to extend the Libyan mandate once again till January 2022. While the overhaul is receiving support from member countries, Russia is not in favor of it. This includes France, the US and the UK. The US has said that stopping the process will only undermine the efforts that have been to resurrect Libya so far.
While the mandate has been extended, the decision over an overall, remains inconclusive. The council member countries are wishing that the Security Council spearhead some kind of physical presence in Libya, in order withdrawal of foreign forces becomes a reality.
Currently, the UN’s top official for managing the Libya file is based in Geneva. But the UN secretary-general recommended in August that UNSMIL appoint a special representative based in Tripoli to allow it to better engage with actors on the ground. The pro member countries believe that it is a good thing to have physical presence in the country. This would allow the UN to intensify negotiations over the withdrawal of foreign forces. Many believe that this is one reason that the country has not seen full play of democracy.
Read | Libya: Consultations between Parliament and the High Council to start today in Rabat
In fact, Britain tried to put the thought into action by presenting the Security Council with a draft text that would have implemented this. However, the same was not adopted and Britain presented its ‘regret’ over the fact that its effort had come to a knot’s end.
Russia is of the mind that any move of the mission to Libya should come after the December election. However, it is worth noting that the election procedures have themselves not received wide appreciation from the Western world, as there has been no true competition to stand the current leadership. Libya could do with some new flavor and thought leadership.
According to the official mandate given by the Security Council, the United Nation Support Mission In Libya (UNSMIL) would unanimously adopt resolution 2323 in December 2016. It was then mandated UNSMIL in full accordance with the principles of national ownership, to exercise mediation and good offices in support of the Libyan political agreement’s implementation; the consolidation of governance, security and economic arrangements of the Government of National Accord and subsequent phases of the Libyan transition process.
