Libya’s long-standing political deadlock took a significant turn as the country’s rival factions agreed to work alongside the United Nations in a bid to restore stability and prepare for elections.
In talks held in Bouznika, near Morocco’s capital Rabat, representatives from the two major legislative bodies, the High Council of State in Tripoli and the House of Representatives in Benghazi, committed to forming a national unity government and embarking on comprehensive political, financial, and security reforms.
The discussions, which marked a key step in breaking years of political impasse, included the establishment of a UN-led advisory committee to address unresolved electoral issues and outline a clear roadmap for elections. The committee will consist of experts and respected figures from across Libya’s political spectrum, focusing on developing viable solutions for the country’s future.
Stephanie Koury, the UN’s deputy special envoy for Libya, presented the UN’s plan to the Security Council, emphasizing that the committee would not have decision-making power but would offer options for Libyan leaders to implement.
Libya’s political crisis, which deepened after the ousting of Muammar Gadhafi in 2011, has been exacerbated by competing administrations in the east and west, each backed by militias and foreign powers. The failure to hold scheduled elections in December 2021 and Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah’s refusal to step down from his position have prolonged the deadlock.
The UN’s efforts come at a critical time, as the country grapples with political division, unresolved electoral matters, and escalating clashes between armed factions vying for control of resources and territory. The UN has warned that these ongoing conflicts threaten Libya’s unity and sovereignty.
Koury and other UN officials have stressed the need for an inclusive process that brings together all of Libya’s political and cultural forces. A new political framework, with the active involvement of international partners, is seen as essential for breaking the current stalemate and laying the foundation for peaceful, democratic elections.
As Libya continues its struggle for stability, the international community remains focused on supporting the UN-led initiative, with hopes that the formation of a national unity government and reforms across the country’s institutions will pave the way for lasting peace and political coherence.
Ambassador Taher El-Sonni, representing the internationally recognized government in Tripoli, reiterated the call for a national dialogue, emphasizing that Libya’s future depends on resolving its political divisions and reaching a consensus on electoral laws.