Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya Abdoulaye Bathily, in collaboration with France, co-chaired a plenary session of the Security Working Group meeting in Tunis today focused on next steps in the ceasefire agreement implementation, the reunification of Libya’s military institutions and elections security. 

Chief of Staff for the Libyan Army General Mohamed Al Haddad and the members of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) participated in the meeting, which was also attended by other co-chairs, representatives of the United Kingdom, Türkiye, Italy, and the African Union, and seven additional Berlin Process Member States. The discussion focused on the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, including ceasefire monitoring; disarmament, demobilization and reintegration; the withdrawal of mercenaries, foreign fighters and foreign forces; and the establishment of a joint military force. 

To discuss specific outstanding aspects of the ceasefire agreement and the operationalization of relevant mechanisms, SRSG Bathily, who is also the Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL),  announced that the JMC will reconvene in Sirte on 15 January 2023 in his presence. 

In his opening remarks, SRSG Bathily called upon the participants “to stand unanimously behind the Libyan authorities and institutions who are willing to lead their country to a better and more stable future by putting aside personal agendas in favour of the good of the nation and of its population.”

Since elections were postponed a year ago, “little or no progress was achieved on the remaining outstanding issues,” SRSG Bathily said, adding, “The status quo is no longer acceptable.” 

“Elections are of extreme importance to so many Libyans who are tired of the delaying tactics employed by some of their leaders,” the SRSG said. “Close to three million voters have registered for elections, demanding their right to choose their leaders.” 

Speaking of the withdrawal of foreign forces, fighters and mercenaries, SRSG Bathily said the JMC has achieved a level of “relative preparedness” with the Libyan Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism “but political will and decisive actions are needed to launch the process.”  He said the JMC agreed to creating the conditions necessary for the establishment of the UNSMIL Ceasefire Monitoring Component in Sirte “to enhance trust between the two sides and move forward with the training of local monitors.” 

During the meeting, officials from Libya’s Ministry of Interior made a presentation on their readiness to implement an elections security plan, which suggested a high level of coordination with the High National Elections Commission. 

 Full opening remarks of SRSG Bathil: https://cutt.ly/J0w63NS