UK welcomes 12-month UNSMIL renewal as Libyan institutions split over election agreement

Britain welcomed a 12-month extension of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in an October 30 statement to the Security Council, saying the renewed mandate would help advance a political process directed by Libyans.

Sarah MacIntosh, Britain’s permanent representative to the UN, said the adoption of resolution 2835 would help UN envoy Hanna Tetteh pursue her political roadmap. The UK said the resolution backed efforts to reunify Libya’s institutions and gave UNSMIL a basis to assist in forming one executive authority.

The renewal follows divergent responses from two Libyan institutions to an agreement intended to move the country towards elections. Tetteh told the Council that the House of Representatives approved the agreement on September 14, while the High Council of State rejected it on October 5.

According to UNSMIL, the agreement reached through its Smaller Convening forum addresses changes to the High National Elections Commission’s board and unresolved constitutional and legal questions affecting presidential and legislative elections. It envisages both elections under one executive authority within a maximum of 24 months.

The agreement required endorsement by both institutions within a month of signing, UNSMIL said. Tetteh reported that the High Council of State objected on constitutional and legal grounds and over the protection of the two institutions’ powers. Several council members later requested additional consultation time.

Tetteh said she would discuss with Smaller Convening participants whether to turn to a nationally representative mechanism allowed under Article 5 of the agreement, consulting the Security Council in the process.

The Council has reaffirmed its backing for Tetteh, UNSMIL and the roadmap announced on August 21, 2025. Britain said the renewed mandate also recognised the mission’s work on human rights and the rule of law, and supported women’s equal and safe involvement in political decisions.

At a third follow-up meeting in London chaired by Tetteh, Smaller Convening members agreed to widen discussions with judicial representatives about unifying the judiciary, UNSMIL reported. Participants also renewed their commitment to seeking political support for the agreement and agreed to meet again after two weeks.