On Saturday, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2835, extending the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya – UNSMIL – for another twelve months, and Libyan leaders in both the west and east welcomed the decision. President of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Menfi, and authorities in the eastern part of the country highlighted the need for national consensus and the unification of state institutions in their statements.
UNSMIL has been operating in Libya since 2015, tasked with supporting the political process and mediating between rival administrations. Menfi praised the mission’s “role in leading mediation efforts” and said the resolution reaffirmed respect for Libya’s sovereignty and the frameworks governing its political process. He stressed that any understandings not based on national consensus would be unable to bring a lasting settlement. His remarks were posted on the council’s official Facebook page.
Eastern officials echoed the call for unity, stressing the need to establish a unified executive authority, end institutional divisions, and bring together sovereign and oversight bodies. They said these steps were essential to enable free and fair elections founded on national consensus and undergirded by a sound constitutional and legal framework. The eastern authorities are backed by forces led by Khalifa Haftar and operate from Benghazi.
The resolution was adopted with an overwhelming vote of 13 in favour, 2 abstentions from Russia and Greece, and no dissent. It came just before the previous mandate was set to expire on Saturday, ensuring continuity for UNSMIL’s work in the country. The Security Council’s decision underscores the international community’s sustained backing for the mission’s mediating role in Libya’s complex political landscape.
Libya has been fragmented since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with rival administrations governing western and eastern regions, and a parallel government in the east appointed by the House of Representatives, which the western-led Government of National Unity in Tripoli recognises. The two governments have struggled to find common ground despite international efforts to bring them together through UN-mediated negotiations.
UN Security Council Resolution 2835
Resolution 2835 extends UNSMIL’s mandate for twelve months, reaffirming the mission’s mission to support the political transition and peace building efforts on the ground. It also calls on all parties in Libya to keep the political process alive, respecting the sovereign authority of the Libyan people and endorsing free and fair elections. The resolution serves as another sign that the world has not abandoned Libya, even as domestic divisions continue to challenge the country’s path to stability.
The meeting of UN leaders and Libyan officials on Saturday signals a shared hope that the extension will facilitate the steps needed to renew Libya’s political process. Menfi and the eastern authorities both highlighted that unity is essential – not only for success of elections but for the broader security and governance of Libya. The current UN mandate will remain in place for a year, offering a sustained period during which the international community can help shape a path toward consolidated state institutions.
