Abdoulaye Bathily, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), has submitted his resignation to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
In his announcement on Tuesday, Bathily cited significant challenges in his mediation efforts, expressing frustration that his attempts to facilitate dialogue and address concerns were met with “stubborn resistance, unreasonable expectations, and indifference to the interests of the Libyan people”.
Abdoulaye Bathily, who assumed his role in September 2022, emphasised the critical importance of Libyan leaders reaching a political settlement through negotiations and compromise. He underscored the need to prioritise the aspirations of the 2.8 million registered Libyan voters over the narrow interests of a select few.
Bathily’s resignation raises concerns about the future of UN mediation efforts in Libya and the ongoing pursuit of political stability in the conflict-ridden nation. With his departure, questions arise regarding the continuity of leadership within UNSMIL and the direction of diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the crisis in Libya. The timing of Bathily’s formal resignation remains unspecified, leaving uncertainties about the transition process and potential successors to lead UNSMIL.
YOU MAY ALSO READ:Â UN receives two-thirds of $1 billion pledge for humanitarian aid in EthiopiaÂ