Senegal’s Bathily resumes in-person duties

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal officially assumed his duties as of 25 September as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of UNSMIL, adding that prior to his arrival in Libya in early October, Bathily would conduct a series of meetings with senior UN officials and representatives of Member States in New York.

In line with Security Council Resolution 2629 (2022), Bathily will be based in Libya, and supported by Mr. Raisedon Zenenga as the Deputy SRSG for Political Affairs and Ms. Georgette Gagnon as Deputy SRSG, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, UNSMIL said.

The Libyan ambassador to the UN, Taher El Sonni, met with Bathily on Wednesday, welcoming him being the first African envoy to Libya and saying he appreciates having Bathily’s first meeting with the Libyan mission in New York.

“I stressed th importance of UNSMIL resuming its activities effectively to support a Libyan lead and owned process.” El Sonni said on Twitter, adding that they had discussed the latest developments in Libya and the challenges facing the political process.

“Bathily assured he looks forward to work in Libya soon and his keenness to meet and cooperate with all parties as well as listen to and communicate with the Libyan people to end the crisis and achieve stability.