UN warns Libya's critical infrastructure failures threaten stability

The United Nations Special Representative for Libya, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, told the Security Council on Tuesday that widespread electricity outages and public anger during a prolonged heatwave have exposed deep governance failures in the country. She said critical infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to pressures that Libya cannot afford to ignore, affecting people across all three regions.

Tetteh highlighted a striking paradox: Libya's National Oil Corporation spends approximately $1 billion monthly on fuel imports, yet electricity systems remain prone to shortages. She pointed to evidence of large-scale diversion of subsidised fuel in the electricity and security sectors, calling it an unacceptable abuse of public resources. She urged stronger oversight and accountability, insisting those responsible must be investigated.

The envoy also noted that the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya submitted a letter on 9 August asking to be relieved of his position, reflecting mounting pressure on the institution. She encouraged the Central Bank to resume publishing monthly revenue and expenditure bulletins to promote transparency.

Tetteh condemned the assassination of Major General Fawzi Mansuri, Director of the Military Intelligence Department for the Libyan National Army, in a car bombing in Benghazi on 10 August. She called on authorities to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.

She also expressed concern over persistent fragmentation of the judiciary and rising hate speech and intimidation targeting women in public life. While noting progress in the UNSMIL-facilitated roadmap, she stressed that sustained willingness from Libyan political actors is essential.

Libya's Permanent Representative to the UN, Taher M. El-Sonni, blamed years of foreign interference and proxy wars for the country's continued crisis, calling for international partnership that respects Libya's sovereignty.