• Mou Mou
• 20 Feb, 2025

Hanna Serwaa Tetteh the new United Nations envoy to Libya has vowed to work towards peace and stability in the war-torn country. Taking charge in Tripoli she admitted that the mission is challenging but emphasised the need for collective efforts to rebuild Libya.

Details & Context

Tetteh a Ghanaian diplomat and former minister was appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as the Special Representative for Libya and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). She took over from Abdoulaye Bathily who resigned in April last year.

Since the fall of long-time leader Muammar Qaddafi in 2011 Libya has been divided between a UN-backed government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east supported by military commander Khalifa Haftar. The country has struggled with political instability, conflict and economic crises. 

Tetteh stressed that her main objective is to ensure a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. She also highlighted the importance of working closely with regional and international partners to protect Libya’s sovereignty and unity.

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Challenges and Elections

Libya was scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in December 2021 but internal disputes between rival factions led to their postponement. UNSMIL has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Libyan institutions in organising free and fair elections.

Tetteh’s appointment marks another step in the ongoing international efforts to resolve Libya’s prolonged crisis. The UN remains committed to supporting a peaceful transition, ensuring security and fostering political dialogue in the country.