The UN Security Council has renewed the mandate for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for an additional year, now scheduled to run until 31 October 2026. The extension strongly affirmed full support for the UN roadmap, which aims for a comprehensive settlement that paves the way for free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections. The resolution also welcomed the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.
UNSMIL’s Institutional Unification Plan
The Council stressed the urgent need to draft a clear strategy for the unification of Libya’s political, military, and security institutions, warning that sustained division risks prolonging the crisis and derailing the electoral process. In line with this, the resolution called for improved coordination with national authorities and the creation of an economic section within the Mission to support the Berlin Process and ongoing political operations.
Demand to End Foreign Military Presence
The resolution emphatically confirmed the necessity for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries from Libyan territory, viewing this measure as critical for restoring stability and national sovereignty. During the vote, Council members highlighted that halting the flow of arms and mercenaries into Libya remains a foundational requirement for establishing security. Consequently, the Council urged influential states to cease all military support to Libyan factions, demanding more effective implementation of the arms embargo and intensified UN monitoring of border crossings to hold violators accountable.
Member States’ Positions on the Resolution
Member states displayed varied perspectives on the resolution’s details:
The Supporting Positions:
UK and France: Both representatives affirmed strong backing for UNSMIL’s efforts and the roadmap, noting the resolution “provides a clear framework for political progress” by re-focusing the Mission’s work on reviving the political track. They stressed that the political process must be Libyan-led and Libyan-owned.
Algeria and the A3+ Group: The group affirmed its commitment to a political solution, insisting the roadmap must be Libyan-led to successfully end the lengthy transitional phase. They also called for the Mission to be provided with sufficient resources, including the economic section, while demanding the immediate withdrawal of foreign forces.
Positions with Specific Reservations:
Russia: While supporting the extension, Russia’s representative urged the geographical expansion of the Mission’s presence to include Benghazi and Sebha for balance, advocating for all international parties to be involved in the Berlin Process.
United States: The US delegate opposed the inclusion of matters like sustainable development goals and gender equality in the text, labelling them as “distractions” from the core focus on peace and security.
With this renewed mandate, the UN reaffirms its steadfast commitment to accompanying Libya on its political and security journey, establishing institutional unification and ending the foreign military presence as the non-negotiable cornerstones for achieving lasting stability
