Libya – no new momentum in stalled aspirations

Outlet: Arab News

Language: English

Abstract: Amidst a decade of turmoil characterized by ineffective governance, competing authorities, external interventions, and sporadic violence, the recent appointment of Abdoulaye Bathily as the UN's special representative for Libya reflects a continuation of destructive patterns. The prospects for substantial change under Bathily's leadership remain slim, with Libya entrenched in a cycle of political stalemate. The country's trajectory has been marked by a recurring theme: efforts to prioritize elections and inclusive dialogues have failed to address the root causes of instability. Parallel authorities in different regions of Libya, combined with a burgeoning separatist movement, feed tensions and perpetuate conflict. Despite hopes for Bathily's tenure, the challenges he faces are immense, requiring delicate navigation of long-standing rivalries and divergent international interests. A restructuring of the UN Support Mission in Libya is urgently needed, alongside initiatives to regulate access to oil revenues, a critical factor in Libya's stability. However, existing proposals lack specificity and, in turn, may inadvertently perpetuate the status quo of a continued tragedy for Libya's future unless decisive action is taken.

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