Frustrated Benghazi Residents Urge UN to Back New Political Path in Libya

Libyans in Benghazi have voiced mounting frustration over the country’s prolonged political stalemate, worsening security, and economic hardship. During a series of meetings with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), many citizens called for urgent reforms and a new political process to break the deadlock. 

The majority supported a proposal to replace the current institutions and pave the way for elections under a temporary government.

These consultations took place during a three-day visit by Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) Stephanie Koury, who wrapped up her trip on Thursday. Koury met with a wide range of groups—including political parties, youth and women’s organizations, civil society, people with disabilities, elders, and local officials from Benghazi, Ajdabiya, Almarj, Shahat, and Albaidha.

Four Options on the Table

Koury’s mission was to gather feedback on the recent Advisory Committee Report, which outlines four potential paths to end Libya’s legitimacy crisis and restart its stalled political transition:

1. Simultaneous presidential and legislative elections, with legal adjustments.
2. Parliamentary elections first, followed by constitution drafting, then presidential elections.
3. Adopting a permanent constitution before any elections.
4. Creating a new political dialogue committee under Article 64 of the Libyan Political Agreement to temporarily replace existing institutions, agree on electoral laws, and appoint an interim government.

Most participants favored the fourth option, citing deep mistrust in the current political leadership. Many argued that existing institutions are deliberately blocking progress to maintain their grip on power.

“The current institutions seek to preserve the status quo,” said one prominent figure. “These actors don’t want a solution.”

Calls for Local Ownership and Swift Action

Participants stressed the need for a Libyan-owned solution and voiced growing impatience with the seemingly endless transition. They called for urgent steps to end the political division between Libya’s rival governments and to reunify the state under a single authority.

“There can be no further delay,” said one civil society representative. “We’ve waited long enough—our people are suffering.”

While participants appreciated the Advisory Committee’s work and the UN’s efforts to consult broadly, they also urged greater inclusion of underrepresented groups, including youth, women, elders, and people with disabilities, in any future political arrangement. Members of the disability community specifically called for guaranteed parliamentary representation, similar to existing quotas for women and ethnic minorities.

Security and Foreign Interference Remain Key Concerns

Security was a recurring theme, especially in light of recent clashes in Tripoli. Although the violence occurred in the capital, Benghazi residents said its effects are felt nationwide.

“While the clashes recently happened in Tripoli, the impacts are felt by Libyans throughout the country,” one attendee noted.

Participants called for disarming militias, unifying the armed forces, and building a professional national army and police force under civilian oversight. Many emphasized that reliable security is essential for holding elections and restoring public trust in state institutions.

Foreign interference also drew criticism, with participants accusing unnamed international actors of destabilizing Libya and complicating the peace process. They urged the UN to push back against outside influence and ensure any future settlement is backed by clear guarantees and international support.

The Path Forward

Political party representatives from Benghazi emphasized the need for Libyans to agree on the fundamentals of state-building—such as the structure of government, the rule of law, and a unified national identity. 

They also called for oversight mechanisms, time-bound agreements, and UN Security Council enforcement tools, including sanctions against those who obstruct the peace process.

In her closing remarks, DSRSG Koury thanked participants for their candid input and stressed the urgency of ending Libya’s prolonged transition. She highlighted the need to strengthen institutions, adopt a permanent constitution, and allow Libyans to freely and peacefully choose their leaders.

“It’s time to move beyond temporary arrangements,” Koury said. “Libya needs strong institutions, a lasting constitution, and a path forward that reflects the will of its people.”

She reaffirmed the UN Mission’s commitment to promoting stability, preventing further violence, and creating conditions for an inclusive political dialogue that can finally move the country toward peace and prosperity.

As UNSMIL consultations continue across Libya, the discussions in Benghazi underscore a growing demand for change—not just in the capital, but across all regions and communities. The key question now is whether the political will, both inside and outside Libya, will match the urgency felt on the ground.