HAMILTON: Stephanie Koury, the deputy head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), warned on Tuesday about the “rapidly” deteriorating situation in Libya, citing a significant decline in political, economic, and security stability over the past two months.
Koury, who is currently serving as the acting UN envoy for Libya following Abdoulaye Bathily’s resignation in April, addressed the UN Security Council, highlighting the exacerbation of tensions due to “unilateral” actions by various Libyan actors.
In her briefing, Koury outlined how unilateral moves by political, military, and security figures have intensified divisions within Libya, undermining efforts to achieve a negotiated resolution to the country’s ongoing crises.
“The situation has deteriorated quite rapidly,” she said, adding that these unilateral actions have further entrenched political and institutional rifts, complicating efforts to stabilize the country.
Despite the challenging environment, Koury commended the Libyan people’s ongoing efforts to move forward. She acknowledged a renewed engagement from political parties, trade unions, civil society, and independent figures, all working to advance constructive ideas for shaping Libya’s political future.
Koury also expressed concern over the frustration among Libya’s youth, many of whom feel their only option is to leave the country. “Youth do not see a future except to try to leave,” she said, calling this situation “unacceptable.”
In response to Koury’s remarks, Libya’s Ambassador to the UN, Taher Al-Sunni, criticized the Security Council for failing to provide practical solutions to the crisis. He questioned the Council’s role in safeguarding international peace and security, stressing the need for a free, transparent, and inclusive electoral process and a clear roadmap for Libya’s political transition.
Al-Sunni also voiced Libya’s determination to rid itself of foreign interference, asserting that the Libyan people want to be the architects of their own destiny. “The Libyan people want to be masters of their own destiny, and they refuse all foreign interference in Libyan affairs,” he declared.
