Source: United Nations (Video News)
Briefing the Security Council, UN chief of political affairs Rosemary DiCarlo said, “The fragile stability in Libya is increasingly at risk. The country’s leaders and security actors are failing to put the national interest ahead of their competition for political and personal gain.”
The ongoing delay of Libya’s national elections, which were supposed to take place in December 2021, has deepened the country’s political deadlock. Today (Feb 19) DiCarlo noted progress on the electoral front, highlighting that “following successful local elections in 56 municipalities in November 2024, the High National Elections Commission has begun preparations for the next group of 63 municipal council elections.” She said the nomination phase had concluded with over 4,900 candidates, including 1,345 women.
However, violence remains a significant concern. DiCarlo condemned a recent attack on a government official, saying, “On 12 February, the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Mr. Adel Juma, was injured in an armed attack on his car in Tripoli. We call for a full and transparent investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Human rights abuses continue to escalate, particularly against migrants and asylum seekers. DiCarlo warned that many face “serious human rights violations across Libya, including torture and cruel and inhumane treatment.” She described recent discoveries of mass graves, “On 7 February, a mass grave was discovered on a farm in Jikharra in northeastern Libya and a day later another mass grave in Al-Kufra in the southeast. To date, 93 bodies have been exhumed in Jikharra and Al-Kufra district.”
Calling for accountability, DiCarlo urged authorities to launch a “full and independent investigation” into the mass graves.
Taher El Sonni of Libya attributed lack of judicial progress in his country “to direct or indirect foreign interference.” He said, “My country has become a ground for settlement of disputes.” Sonni also welcomed a round of the municipal elections in the country. “This was a demonstration, a good example as to Libya’s ability to ensure electoral processes where there is support and a political will,” he noted.