Libyan unity under threat, says UN special representative

GENEVA

The current situation in Libya poses a significant risk to the North African nation's unity, the UN's special representative to the country warned on Saturday.

"The fragility of its (Libya's) institutions and the deep divisions within the nation represent grave risks to its stability," said Abdoulaye Bathily, UN special representative of the secretary general to Libya, in a statement marking the beginning of 2011 uprising that ousted longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi after four decades in power.

"It is imperative that Libyan leaders acknowledge their responsibility and be held accountable for their decisions and actions, as they directly impact the lives of the Libyan people," Bathily said in the statement, released by UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

He reaffirmed UNSMIL's commitment to "supporting the Libyan people in their pursuit of peace, justice, legitimate institutions, and inclusive governance."

Libyans hope to hold parliamentary and presidential elections to end conflicts and divisions that have manifested since early 2022.

Two governments currently exist in the country: One led by Osama Hamad and mandated by the House of Representatives in the east of the country, and the other the Government of National Unity led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, based in the capital Tripoli, which enjoys international recognition.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala