UNSC: A3+ Calls for “Immediate and Unconditional” Withdrawal of Foreign Forces from Libya
The A3+ group within the UN Security Council demanded on Thursday in New York the “immediate and unconditional” withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya, identifying them as a “major obstacle” to restoring peace. They emphasized the need to fully respect the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the country.
“Foreign interference, particularly the presence of foreign military forces in Libya, significantly hinders peace efforts. We call for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign forces, foreign fighters, and mercenaries from Libya,” stated Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, speaking on behalf of the A3+ group (Algeria, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Guyana) during a Security Council meeting focused on the situation in Libya.
In this context, the A3+ asserted that “the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Libya must be fully respected.”
Reminding the Security Council of its unfulfilled promise of peace and democracy to the Libyan people, the A3+ highlighted that “Libya is sinking deeper into uncertainty each day, with no tangible political progress.”
The group pointed out that this situation is “the result of hasty decisions and miscalculations made by this UN body.”
In light of this, they urged the Security Council to “fulfill its historical responsibilities by standing alongside Libya and empowering its people to shape the better future they truly deserve.”
For the A3+, “it is time to act,” as Libya stands at “a decisive turning point in its history.”
“This moment demands urgent and decisive commitment from both national and international actors,” the group noted, expressing their “concern” over recent clashes and incidents occurring in various Libyan cities.
“We call upon all parties to fully respect the 2020 ceasefire agreement and prioritize the urgent reunification of Libya’s military and security institutions,” they added.
The A3+ commended the completion of the second phase of municipal elections and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing electoral processes in the remaining municipalities.
“These positive political advancements mark a new stage in the political process led and managed by Libyans, as well as progress toward holding free and fair national elections that reflect the will of the Libyan people,” they stated.
The A3+ urged Libyan stakeholders to collaborate with UNSMIL (United Nations Support Mission in Libya) to “address contentious issues related to electoral laws, aiming to find concrete solutions to overcome the current political impasse in the country.”
“We also encourage the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNSMIL, Hanna Tetteh, to continue her engagement with neighboring countries and support the efforts of the African Union,” they added, noting that these efforts had led to “the signing of the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation by Libyan stakeholders last February in Addis Ababa.”
Furthermore, the A3+ advocated for the Libyan people to ultimately benefit from frozen Libyan assets, arguing that the economic situation in the country “remains a major concern” for the group.
“The lack of a unified budget, coupled with insufficient transparency and accountability, has exacerbated the economic crisis,” he stated, urging the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to “offer technical assistance and capacity building to the greatest extent possible to help tackle the serious challenges confronting Libya.”
