In her briefing to the UNSC on 14 October, SRSG Hanna Tetteh stressed that institutional and political fragmentation have continued to impact negatively on the economic and security situation in the country.
Tetteh highlighted that over the last two months, 58 individuals convicted of prior crimes related to terrorism offences, including alleged membership in proscribed terrorist groups and/or involvement in the killing of military and civilian personnel, have been executed in Benghazi. She called for the suspension of further executions, urging the authorities to review procedures, and ensuring full adherence to fair trials and due process.
Nevertheless, Tetteh welcomed ‘positive steps toward enhanced military cooperation between Eastern and Western military and security institutions, and the Mission continues to encourage confidence-building measures at the technical level between both sides.’ She noted that the two Chiefs of General Staff recently issued decrees to operationalize in Benghazi and Tripoli the Joint Centres for Information Exchange and Coordination on Border Security. These centres are jointly staffed by military and police personnel from the Libyan National Army and the Government of National Unity and will work on communication and information sharing between Benghazi and Tripoli regarding border and security related matters.
UNSMIL also commended the work of the Western Coast Security Arrangements Committee in de-escalating tensions, reducing clashes and security incidents, and enhancing security coordination in Zawiya and other western cities. Tetteh also warned that the situation in southern Libya warrants continued attention, noting that there are discrepancies between the North and South of the country regarding the provision of public services that are exacerbating discontent and instability within the southern region.