The road ahead is still long, but we see a willingness to move (…)

Madam President,

I welcome the presence of the Ambassador of Libya among us today and thank the Special Representative Ms. Hanna Tetteh for her briefing. France commends your pragmatic efforts to advance the political process in Libya. Dialogue among the various actors is essential, as maintaining the status quo is more costly than finding a compromise.

Although much remains to be done, developments in the security and economic fields are moving in the right direction, and mediation efforts are underway. But we all recognize that further efforts are needed to restore the country’s unity, stability and reunification. We commend the engagement of all our international partners towards this goal; together with UNSMIL. They can count on France’s support.

Madam President,

The UN mediation effort, through its roadmap and the dialogue conducted with Libyan stakeholders, sets a clear course towards the reunification of Libyan institutions and the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections.

We commend the efforts of all Libyan parties to promote dialogue and the reunification of political institutions, including the government. We call on them to deepen their discussions and overcome obstacles so that the elections to which Libyans have been aspiring for several years can finally be held.

The acceleration of discussions and certain announced agreements are encouraging and demonstrate the political will of the Libyan stakeholders. In this regard, I welcome the conclusions of the structured dialogue led by UNSMIL, which reflect the Libyan people’s aspiration to exercise their sovereignty by deciding for themselves on the future of their country.

Madam President,

Libya’s unity is key to ensuring its stability and addressing security risks.

The security situation remains volatile, both in Tripolitania and in the south.

Given this situation, the reunification of security and military institutions is a priority. The joint military training exercise “FLINTLOCK 2026,” which brought together troops from Eastern and Western Libya, is a step in this direction.

It is essential that the arms embargo be respected and that the withdrawal of mercenaries, combatants, and foreign forces present in Libya accompany military reunification, so that Libya can regain its full sovereignty.

Similarly, we support the implementation of greater budgetary transparency and a more balanced distribution of wealth. Libya’s wealth belongs to all Libyans.

France is closely monitoring the implementation of the “Unified Development Program,” which promotes the efficient and transparent management of public resources. We commend the actions of the Central Bank of Libya in this regard and the assistance provided by the United States. We encourage Libyan stakeholders to honor their commitments. Strengthening Libya’s economic and financial governance is essential, first and foremost for the Libyan people, who are facing growing economic hardship, including difficulties in accessing oil. As the Special Representative has recalled, oil shortages across the country have hit the most vulnerable hardest, while criminal oil-trafficking networks are growing richer.

To combat this scourge, the independence and full control of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), must be restored. All efforts to strengthen it are essential so that this national institution can ensure that the wealth it exploits remains a national asset.

Finally, France draws the international community’s attention to the human rights situation in Libya.

We call on all Libyan parties to respect the fundamental rights of both nationals and migrants present on Libyan territory. Concrete measures are needed to combat human trafficking and violations of international human rights law.

The fight against disinformation and hate speech is necessary, and we support UNSMIL’s efforts in this field. Attacks against UNSMIL and all United Nations agencies are unacceptable and must cease immediately.

Madam President,

The road ahead is still long, but we see a willingness to move forward that our Council must resolutely encourage.

France stands alongside the Special Representative as she seeks credible ways to allow Libyans to live in a stable, sovereign, and united country. All efforts must be directed toward an inclusive political solution.

Thank you.