Al-Lafi challenges UN role despite mission extension

Libya’s solution to its ongoing crisis must come from within the country, Deputy Head of the Presidential Council Abdullah Al-Lafi said Friday, following the UN Security Council’s decision to extend its Libya mission.

“The solution must be based on true national ownership, stemming from collective will and expressing common aspirations,” Al-Lafi said. “This is the only way to achieve the peace and stability that Libyans want.”

His comments came after the Security Council voted Thursday to extend the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) until January 31. The mission’s previous mandate had expired October 31.

Writing on Facebook, Al-Lafi pointed to what he called “a clear divergence in international positions toward Libya” revealed during the Security Council session. He emphasized that “the future of Libya will only be made by the Libyans themselves.”

Al-Lafi urged domestic parties to put national interests first. “Let us rally around a comprehensive national project that will advance our country,” he said. “We need to establish a strong and unified state capable of fulfilling the aspirations of its people and achieving a bright future for our coming generations.”

The Security Council resolution includes provisions for an automatic nine-month extension if a special representative is appointed to head the mission. It also reaffirmed support for the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement signed in Skhirat and the roadmap approved by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum.

Additionally, the resolution endorsed updated electoral laws prepared by the joint “6+6” committee of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, aimed at moving the country toward elections.