The UN Special Representative to Libya, Hanna Tetteh, has delivered a blunt assessment to the Security Council, warning the House of Representatives and the High Council of State that the international community’s patience is wearing thin. Tetteh signaled that the UN mission would propose an “alternative mechanism” to implement the political road map during her next briefing in February, asserting that Libya “can no longer tolerate” further delays or stalling tactics.
The envoy attributed the ongoing electoral paralysis to a failure to finalise constitutional and legal frameworks, including the reconstitution of the High National Elections Commission. She noted that deep-seated divisions and a fundamental lack of trust between the two legislative bodies remain the primary obstacles. Conversely, Tetteh pointed to a “structured dialogue” launched in mid-December—involving 124 figures from civil society and academia, highlighting that the 35% participation rate of women reflects a genuine public desire for inclusion.
Tetteh described the security situation in Tripoli and western Libya as “fragile” despite a period of relative calm. She warned that persistent financial divisions are devaluing the Libyan dinar and eroding public confidence in state institutions. While she praised the recent local municipal elections as a constructive step toward restoring local legitimacy, she maintained that national presidential and legislative polls remain deadlocked without a clear legal agreement.
The briefing concluded with a grave warning regarding human rights, with Tetteh expressing “deep concern” over continued violence against migrants and women, as well as deaths in custody. She called on Libyan security and government institutions to launch immediate investigations and ensure accountability to guarantee a safe environment for citizens to participate in public life.
