Guterres urges implementation of unified development agreement, hails structured dialogue

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Libyan parties to advance the political process and complete the first two stages of the roadmap facilitated by the UN mission, stressing the importance of building on dialogue among Libyan parties to reach a political agreement that unifies institutions and leads to elections.

The remarks came in his report on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya submitted to the Security Council, covering political, security and economic developments in the country, as well as human rights, the humanitarian situation and the mission’s activities.

Guterres said the participation of 120 people in the Structured Dialogue, one of the main pillars of the roadmap, could contribute to achieving a stable state governed by unified and legitimate institutions and to holding fair and transparent national elections.

He said the recommendations made by participants in the dialogue represent an important contribution to addressing existing challenges and could help guide any political agreement on unifying and strengthening institutions and holding elections. He called on Libya’s “leaders and authorities” to take the recommendations into consideration.

Regarding the small-group dialogue, Guterres welcomed the continued engagement of both sides participating in the UN-facilitated small-group meetings and urged them to continue efforts to complete the first two stages of the roadmap, calling on all stakeholders to support the process.

Guterres welcomed efforts to operationalize the Unified Development Program Agreement and its annex, which establishes a unified spending framework for 2026, describing it as an important step toward strengthening fiscal controls, transparency and institutional coordination.

He warned, however, that the impact of the Unified Development Agreement would remain limited without sustained political will, credible oversight and full representation of the institutions concerned. He called for far-reaching reforms to strengthen governance and accountability and ensure fair and balanced development.

The UN chief stressed that transparent and accountable management of national resources is essential for economic stability and restoring Libyans’ confidence. He called on the “relevant leaders” to implement the Unified Development Program Agreement and its annex and undertake the reforms necessary to achieve economic and financial stability.

Guterres also welcomed efforts to strengthen coordination among security institutions across the country, stressing the need for continued international support to build unified and accountable Libyan security institutions under civilian leadership.

On the judiciary, Guterres expressed deep concern over the continuing division within the judicial system, warning of serious repercussions for national unity, the rule of law, governance, the economy and public confidence in state institutions. He urged the authorities to accelerate efforts to resolve the division.

Guterres welcomed the release of detainees in western and eastern Libya, including people deprived of their liberty for reasons related to political opinion, peaceful expression or perceived political affiliation. He called for further releases, improved detention conditions and an end to arbitrary arrest and detention.

On migration, the Secretary-General expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and hate speech targeting migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers. He called on security authorities to take immediate action to dismantle trafficking networks, close unofficial detention sites and hold perpetrators accountable.

Guterres also condemned incitement to violence, threats against UN personnel and acts of vandalism targeting UN premises, calling on all parties to refrain from using misinformation and hate speech for political purposes.