Despite UN Special Envoy’s Resignation, No Sign Libya Moving Toward Elections

The recent resignation of UN Special Representative of the Secretary General in Libya, Abdoulay Bathily, came as he again repeated warnings about the lack of political will and good faith among major players. Signs are that this isn’t changing after his departure.

Bathily made several comments about the need for major parties to work together on an election, which has been repeatedly delayed since December of 2021. He also warned that foreign backers of the various factions have undermined the UN process by engaging in parallel efforts that divert the process.

There have been occasional signs of possible steps forward, including the recent formation of a “new unified government” specifically designed to oversee elections. However, even this meeting was held in Cairo at the behest of the Arab League’s Secretary General, once again pointing to foreign backers controlling the process.