Fifteen years after the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi, Libya remains in a state of ‘no war and no peace’. Governance is still contested, with rival administrations in western Libya (internationally recognised) and eastern Libya (unrecognised). The Presidency Council continues to act as the country’s collective head of state, while Libyans face a worsening economic climate marked by rising inflation and declining purchasing power.
The United Nations is working to help Libya hold elections and reunify its political institutions. Its efforts continue to focus on mediating between factions and supporting initiatives to repair the country’s fractured social fabric.
In this session, HE Abdullah al-Lafi will assess the current situation in Libya and outline the Presidency Council’s progress on national reconciliation. He will also discuss how international partners can best work with Libya on shared concerns—such as organised migration crime—and contribute to addressing the country’s ongoing political divisions.
With the Presidential Council facing a wide range of immediate challenges, can these issues wait for the formation of a new government?
Key questions to be discussed include:
- Among the many institutions involved in governing Libya, where does the Presidency Council fit?
- What is the latest on the Council’s reconciliation efforts?
- How effective has the UN Support Mission in Libya been in advancing preparations for elections?
- How can Libya improve its economic governance?
- How should international partners support Libya in addressing organised migration crime?
