The 74-members of the UN-led Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) have selected an interim Prime Minister and President of its new executive council, marking what the UN Special Representative described as a "historic moment” on the road to unification of the war-torn country and national elections due on December 24 this year.
The five days of talks held in Geneva which ended on Friday, February 5, saw Mohammad Younes Menfi, a former ambassador of Libya to Greece, selected President of the Council, where he will serve with Mossa Al-Koni, and Abdullah Hussein Al-Lafi as members of the council.
Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, a powerful businessman, was chosen by majority vote to serve as Prime Minister-designate.
The unified executive authority will have to implement the ceasefire agreement, provide essential public services to the Libyan people, initiate a programme for meaningful reconciliation, address critical national budget needs, and organise national elections.
"On behalf of the United Nations, I am pleased to witness this historic moment”, said acting Special Representative and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Stephanie Williams.
"The importance of the decision that you have taken here today will grow with the passage of time in the collective memory of the Libyan people,” she observed.
Libya has suffered crises on multiple fronts, since the fall of former ruler Muammar Gadaffi in 2011, with the country essentially divided between a UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) based in the capital Tripoli, and a rival administration, led by General Hafter, who commands the western-based self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA).
"You overcame your differences, divisions and the many challenges you have faced during this difficult, but fruitful journey, in the interests of your country and of the Libyan people,” Williams told the LPDF.
‘Respect the results’: UN chief urges
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres, welcomed the selection of the interim leadership, making a statement to correspondents in New York at UN Headquarters, and called on all members of the LPDF, and international stakeholders involved in the Libyan peace process, "to respect the results of the vote.”
He applauded the pledges made by the new executive, to form a government "reflecting political pluralism, geographical representation, and its commitment to include no less than 30 per cent of women in executive positions, as well as to ensure the participation of youth.”
"The UN remains committed to supporting the Libyan people in their efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous country,” he said.
Situation in Libya
According to a United States Institute of Peace (USIP) Fact Sheet issued on December 30, 2020, on the Current Situation in Libya, nine years after the fall of Muammar Qaddafi, Libya continues to struggle to end its violent conflict and build state institutions.
External actors have exacerbated Libya’s problems by funneling money and weapons to proxies that have put personal interests above those of the Libyan people.
It indicated that the U.N. efforts to broker a lasting peace had been overshadowed by competing peace conferences sponsored by various foreign governments.
Meanwhile, Libya’s borders remain porous, particularly in the southern Fezzan (the southwestern region of Libya), facilitating an increase in trafficking and smuggling of illicit materials, including weapons.