Libya President urges UN support for national unity

The President of Libya’s Presidential Council, Mohamed Younis Al‑Menfi, addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, stressing the importance of national sovereignty, unity and stability. Libya has been divided between two rival administrations for more than a decade, ever since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Speaking on behalf of the internationally recognised Government of National Unity, Al‑Menfi voiced the Libyan people’s hope for a stable and prosperous future.

He described Libya as a nation rich in natural resources, with a cohesive society and young people who possess tremendous potential to build a modern state. Al‑Menfi emphasized that Libya is not a battlefield or a place to settle scores; it deserves to be built on a foundation of stability and democracy. While acknowledging the challenges and threats facing the country, he asserted that Libyans firmly believe they can overcome any obstacle. He warned that past failures and broken trust have eroded confidence in proposed solutions, and that any plan that does not restore national ownership of the political process is destined to fail.

Al‑Menfi outlined a clear political vision based on four pillars. The first calls for the full restoration of national sovereignty and the rejection of all foreign interference. The second stresses the need to unite Libya’s sovereign institutions—particularly security, defence and finance—through professional mechanisms, without polarization or quotas. The third pillar calls for ending the current transitional period by adopting a new constitution and holding free, fair elections that allow Libyans to choose their leaders without external influence. The final pillar underscores the importance of maintaining a high level of stability and preventing a relapse into violence.

He reiterated that the blood of the Libyan people is a red line, and that the country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and social cohesion are non‑negotiable. The UN has proposed a roadmap to hold general elections and establish a new unified government within 12‑18 months. Al‑Menfi emphasized that UN support is essential for overcoming the crisis and achieving lasting stability and democracy in Libya.