Physical Address
Indirizzo: Via Mario Greco 60, Buttigliera Alta, 10090, Torino, Italy
During the Security Council session devoted to the situation in Libya, the permanent representative of Algeria to the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, speaking on behalf of the African group A3+, delivered a firm and nuanced intervention, calling on the international community to redouble its efforts to support Libya on the path to stability and regained sovereignty.
From the start of his speech, Bendjama welcomed the progress recorded by the Government of National Unity and the Libyan Presidential Council, stressing that “the key agreement reached made it possible to ease tensions in the capital and create a more serene political dynamic”. According to him, this agreement constitutes a major step since it provides for the restitution of several strategic infrastructures to state institutions, a gesture which, according to him, “confirms the total rejection of militarization in all regions of the country”.
The diplomat reiterated the A3+ group’s support for ongoing efforts to reform the security sector, as well as the initiative to dismantle illegal armed groups. “It is essential that the monopoly of force returns to the Libyan State alone,” he stressed, while calling on national actors to continue an inclusive and peaceful dialogue.
On the political level, Bendjama expressed the hope of the A3+ group to see “the second phase of municipal elections take place in 16 constituencies from October 18, before starting the third phase from October 20”. These deadlines, he recalled, “represent a democratic test to consolidate institutional legitimacy in Libya”.
Addressing the economic dimension, the representative of Algeria expressed concern about the persistence of the budgetary crisis and the absence of a unification of public finances. However, he welcomed “the decision of the President of the Presidential Council to initiate a complete financial audit in the oil and electricity sectors”, believing that this approach “goes in the direction of transparency and good governance”.
Bendjama also denounced the mismanagement of frozen Libyan assets and the non-compliance with Security Council resolution 27/69, in particular its paragraph 14 which authorizes the Libyan Investment Authority to “invest the frozen reserves in order to preserve their value”. For him, “it is unacceptable that the wealth of the Libyan people remains blocked while the country is going through a very difficult economic and social situation.”
But it was especially on the security aspect that the ambassador gave a speech of great clarity. “Political settlement in Libya remains out of reach as long as foreign interference persists,” he warned, pointing to the continued flow of weapons and the presence of mercenaries on Libyan soil.
In an unequivocal appeal, Bendjama demanded the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenary fighters. “This is the first condition to restore the full sovereignty of Libya and to allow Libyans to freely decide their future,” he insisted.
Finally, the diplomat recalled Algeria’s constant position, based on respect for the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Libya, and urged the international community to support national reconciliation efforts without interference. “Peace in Libya will not be built under bombs or under the influence of foreign interests. It will arise from the will of the Libyans themselves, supported, but never replaced, by the international community,” concluded Amar Bendjama.