UN Urges International Coordination on Libyan Crisis

The Special Representative of Secretary-General for Libya, Hannah Tetteh met with the Belgian Ambassador, François Dimon (UNSMIL) 
The Special Representative of Secretary-General for Libya, Hannah Tetteh met with the Belgian Ambassador, François Dimon (UNSMIL) 
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UN Urges International Coordination on Libyan Crisis

The Special Representative of Secretary-General for Libya, Hannah Tetteh met with the Belgian Ambassador, François Dimon (UNSMIL) 
The Special Representative of Secretary-General for Libya, Hannah Tetteh met with the Belgian Ambassador, François Dimon (UNSMIL) 

The Special Representative of Secretary-General for Libya, Hannah Tetteh, stressed the importance of strengthening international coordination mechanisms on Libya, ensuring unified efforts to hold general elections as soon as possible.

Tetteh met with Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy to Libya, Jeremy Berndt, in Tunis.

She briefed Berndt on the work of the Advisory Committee and the recent efforts with Libyan and regional parties in this regard, a statement released by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stated.

“We also discussed a number of issues related to the situation in Libya, including the migration issue, restrictions on civil space, and the need to improve economic management to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution of public funds,” Tetteh said.

For his part, Berndt, reiterated the United States' support for the efforts made by the UN mission to reach a political solution in Libya through holding elections.

Later, Tetteh met with the Belgian Ambassador, François Dimon, and exchanged views on the political process in Libya and the need to move forward toward holding general elections as soon as possible.

During the meeting, the Special Representative discussed the issue of migration and the need to adopt a more effective public financial management system based on transparency and accountability, in the interest of the Libyan people, the UN mission said.

UNSMIL is holding meetings with local and international actors to solve the political crisis in Libya, and support security operations in the country.

Meanwhile, UNSMIL said its Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ennis Chuma, discussed with Interior Minister in charge of the Government of National Unity, Imed Trabelsi, the situation of migrants and the challenges facing Libya in this regard.

Chuma stressed the importance of supporting the Libyan government and humanitarian organizations in managing the migration issue in accordance with human rights principles and obligations.

He also expressed concern about the restrictions imposed on the work of humanitarian organizations on migration and refugee issues, calling on the government to address these concerns through dialogue and ensure the continued safe operation of these organizations in accordance with Libyan law, according to a statement by UNSMIL.

Also on Thursday, Acting Foreign Minister in the Government of National Unity, Taher Al-Baour, discussed with the Turkish Ambassador to Libya, Guven Begec, preparations for Libya to host the Türkiye-Africa Summit in early 2026.

The meeting addressed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

 

 

 

 



Red Cross Concerned by Drone Attacks on Critical Infrastructure in Sudan

People collect food at a location set up by a local humanitarian organization to donate meals and medication to people displaced by the war in Sudan, in Meroe in the country's Northern State, on January 9, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
People collect food at a location set up by a local humanitarian organization to donate meals and medication to people displaced by the war in Sudan, in Meroe in the country's Northern State, on January 9, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
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Red Cross Concerned by Drone Attacks on Critical Infrastructure in Sudan

People collect food at a location set up by a local humanitarian organization to donate meals and medication to people displaced by the war in Sudan, in Meroe in the country's Northern State, on January 9, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
People collect food at a location set up by a local humanitarian organization to donate meals and medication to people displaced by the war in Sudan, in Meroe in the country's Northern State, on January 9, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

The Red Cross raised alarm on Thursday at the growing use of drone attacks by warring parties on hospitals, electricity and water infrastructure in Sudan, which it said was contributing to widespread human rights violations.

Some 70-80% of hospitals in Sudan were not running and there were concerns cholera could surge due to damage caused by the war to water infrastructure, the International Committee of the Red Cross told reporters in Geneva.

"A recent drone attack stopped all the electricity provision in an area close to Khartoum, which means critical infrastructure is being damaged," said Patrick Youssef, the Red Cross's Regional Director for Africa, in a new report.

"There is a clear increased use of these technologies, drones - to be in the hands of everyone - which increases the impact on the local population and the intensity of attacks," Youssef said.

After two years of fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, some people are returning to Khartoum after they were forced to flee when war broke out on April 15, 2023 amidst a ongoing power struggle between the army and the RSF ahead of a transition to civilian rule.

Some 12 million people have been displaced by the conflict since 2023.

"We have seen violations of the law left, right and center,” Youssef said, urging the warring parties to allow the Red Cross access so it can offer humanitarian support and document atrocities.

In March, aid groups told Reuters that the RSF had placed new constraints on aid deliveries to territories where it was seeking to cement its control. Aid groups have also accused the army of denying or hindering access to RSF-controlled areas.

Both sides in the conflict deny impeding aid.