UN Security Council Briefing on Libya: Military Build-Up and Economic Crisis Stoke Fears of Renewed Violence

Despite the holding of Libya’s 2020 ceasefire, the United Nations has warned of renewed risks of violence in Tripoli due to growing military mobilization, entrenched divisions among armed groups in the west, and a worsening economic crisis. Addressing the Security Council on April 17, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), called for urgent political will to unify military and security forces under a common vision.

Tetteh’s briefing, based on the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2025/223), covers the period from December 5, 2024 to April 4, 2025. Since taking office in February, she has consulted with a broad range of Libyan actors, including political leaders, civil society, and security officials. She stressed that while the ceasefire is technically holding, Libya’s fragility stems from deep-seated political and economic rivalries.

Economic Mismanagement and Fragmentation

Tetteh identified the ongoing competition for economic resources as a key factor fueling political paralysis. The lack of a unified budget, overspending of state resources, and unilateral actions by rival authorities have triggered inflation and currency devaluation. In particular, last week’s sudden devaluation of the Libyan dinar by the Central Bank sparked mutual accusations among factions, prompting calls for audits of state institutions to restore public trust.

She emphasized that Libya’s natural wealth should be sufficient to meet citizens’ needs — but only if managed transparently and equitably. UNSMIL is currently engaging with Libyan and international experts to explore fiscal reforms that can support financial sustainability and stability.

Escalation of Hate Speech and Attacks on Migrants

The Special Representative also raised concerns about a sharp rise in xenophobic rhetoric and violence against migrants and humanitarian workers. She condemned recent actions targeting aid agencies and underscored the need for legal protections aligned with international standards — especially for women, migrants, and asylum seekers.

Disputed Local Elections and Weak National Institutions

Tetteh reported that the second phase of municipal elections in 62 municipalities, including Tripoli and Benghazi, concluded on April 15, with over 570,000 registered voters — 31% of them women. However, the results were disputed in several areas, where elected candidates were replaced by de facto authorities. She called for election disputes to be resolved through legal channels and reiterated the importance of respecting voters’ will.

The national-level dispute over the High Council of State Presidency remains unresolved, further weakening an already fragile institutional framework.

Council Members Stress Urgency of Unified Budget and Political Process

Security Council members echoed Tetteh’s concerns, urging Libyan leaders to agree on a unified budget, accelerate a credible election timeline, and ensure the independence of oversight institutions such as the Central Bank and National Oil Corporation. Representatives from countries including the UK, Denmark, and the US stressed that Libya’s wealth should benefit all citizens and not be squandered due to political infighting.

Several Council members, including those from Panama and Greece, highlighted the destabilizing presence of foreign fighters and mercenaries, calling for a clear timeline for their withdrawal. Russia, meanwhile, blamed external interventions for exacerbating the crisis and warned against politicizing the peace process.

Human Rights and Humanitarian Access

The Republic of Korea expressed concern about recent actions by Libya’s Internal Security Agency, including the suspension of humanitarian operations. Slovenia and others emphasized the need to protect refugees and migrants, particularly in light of the growing influx of Sudanese fleeing conflict.

Libya Reaffirms Commitment to Reconciliation and Security Unification

Libya’s representative welcomed the Advisory Committee’s efforts to mediate political differences and urged swift action from UNSMIL. He underscored Libya’s need for economic assistance, particularly in addressing the currency crisis and establishing a unified budget. On the security front, he called for the unification of military and police structures under state authority and reiterated the importance of the Joint Military Commission’s work.

He also defended Libya’s right to implement migration policies in line with national security interests, while stressing that the country’s broader challenges require nationally led solutions. “Our hope,” he concluded, “is that this year will be a year of implementation.”

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