UN Calls on Member States to Support Libya’s Unity Government

Martin Kobler, the UN envoy to Libya, called on the international community to support the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and to do what is necessary to prevent illegal arms trade to Libya.
Kobler addressed the UN’s Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday and said there are “positive signs” regarding the management of Libya’s oil production and exports in addition to ensuring revenue from oil sales are going to the country’s central bank.
However, the North African country continues to be crippled by violence, corruption and lawlessness and overwhelmed by the refugee crisis, said Kobler.
The 2011 uprising that brought the downfall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi also left the country in a chaotic and unstable state. For months, the GNA has been working to establish its authority outside the western side of Libya. The GNA’s arrival to Tripoli in March was “a moment of hope for the establishment of the rule of law in the country,” he said.
In his address, Kobler noted that, to an extent, the political deadlock in Libya is caused by the House of Representatives’ (HoR) lack of support for the GNA.
“It is very important that the international community maintains cohesion in order to bring the Government of National Accord (GNA) to a stage where it can effectively combat the questions on the table,” Kobler said to reporters after speaking to the Human Rights Council.
“Libya is witnessing the unfolding of dangerous military developments,” said the UN representative referring to General Khalifa Haftar’s forceful takeover of Libya’s major oil fields and terminals.
Haftar, who is backed by the HOR, is fighting against brigades and armed groups in Benghazi who are refusing to succumb to his rule. He has also refused to cooperate with the GNA in efforts to unify the country and has challenged the UN deal intended to unify Libya.