The Security Council decided today to extend until 31 October 2024 the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), as it expressed concern about the humanitarian impact of catastrophic flooding in the east of the country and urged Libyan political institutions and key stakeholders to resolve outstanding differences on the road to nationwide elections. Unanimously adopting resolution 2702 (2023) (to be issued as document S/RES/2702), the Council reiterated its support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNSMIL, Abdoulaye Bathily, in his efforts to further an inclusive political process based on the Libyan Political Agreement and the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum Roadmap. Through the text, it urged the Libyan political institutions and key stakeholders to resolve outstanding politically contentious issues pertaining to elections as soon as possible. Expressing concern at the humanitarian situation, particularly after September’s flooding, the Council called on the Libyan authorities and relevant stakeholders to allow and facilitate full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need. It also requested UNSMIL to facilitate confidence-building measures, dialogue and reconciliation between armed actors to prevent violence and conflict escalation through its mediation and good offices.

Source: Libya Today October 31, 2023 04:11 UTC