The UN Security Council will convene On Monday (27 June) for an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on the situation in Libya.
The Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo and a civil society representative are expected to brief on Libya, the Security Council Report website has confirmed.
It said that the expected focus of Monday’s session is Libya’s ongoing political turmoil stemming from the establishment of two rival government structures.
“The ongoing stand-off is between the incumbent prime minister, Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, elected in February 2021 to head the interim Government of National Unity (GNU) by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) and former Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha, who was elected interim prime minister by the Tobruk-based House of Representatives on 10 February.” The website said.
It added that Council members may wish to hear more from DiCarlo about the efforts of Special Advisor to the Secretary-General on Libya Stephanie Williams to mediate between both factions to chart a consensus-based path towards elections.
“Another issue some Council members may raise, and seek updates on, is the mission’s leadership. Several members may call for the swift appointment of a Special Representative for Libya. (Former Special Envoy Ján Kubiš resigned in November 2021. On 29 April, the Council converted the Special Envoy position to a Special Representative post.).” The website added.
The website indicated that since Williams is apparently expected to leave her post this month, finding a candidate to lead the mission has become even more urgent.
It also said that Russia had circulated a draft presidential statement on Libya. At the time of writing, it was unclear if and when the Council may take action on the draft text.
Looking ahead, Security Council members are expected to vote next month on a resolution renewing the mandate of UNSMIL, which expires on 31 July.
