AU Emergency Session on Libya: Key Developments and Next Steps

Context and Recent Developments
Since 2011, Libya has remained divided between two rival authorities: the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and the Government of National Stability (GSN) in Benghazi. Repeated election delays, political rivalries, and disputes over oil revenues have deepened this division.

In May 2025, the assassination of the head of the Stability Support Apparatus reignited militia violence in western Tripoli. Simultaneously, clashes around Sirte threatened UN-recognized authorities’ limited control and disrupted vital humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations.

Date of the Emergency Session
The African Union Peace and Security Council convened its 1,280th extraordinary session on 23 May 2025 to address these urgent challenges.

Objectives of the AU Peace and Security Council’s Emergency Session
At that session, the Council set four main goals:

Reinforce the ceasefire in and around Tripoli by establishing an independent monitoring mechanism to halt militia clashes and protect civilians.

Revive the February 2025 Reconciliation Charter, ensuring all major parties (GNU, Tobruk parliamentarians, traditional leaders) fully commit to its provisions.

Facilitate credible national elections by agreeing on a new, realistic timetable and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process through a strengthened AU–UN–EU partnership.

Bolster national institutions by supporting the reopening of parliament in Tripoli, reinforcing the Supreme Court’s role, and launching joint training for a unified Libyan National Army.

Key Participants and International Cooperation

• Ambassador Harold Saffa, May session chair and Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative.
• Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, presenting the conflict and humanitarian overview.
• Ambassador Wahida Ayari, AU Special Representative for Libya, reporting on progress and remaining obstacles.
• Hannah Tetteh, head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), outlining the UN’s electoral and security roadmap.
• Delegations from the Arab League, European Union, G5 Sahel, and the International Coalition for Libya.

Agreed Measures

• Tripoli Monitoring Observatory: A civil–military body tasked with real-time surveillance of key flashpoints and rapid-response authority to prevent renewed fighting.
• Economic Recovery Fund: Seed financing for priority projects—rehabilitating oil facilities, reviving ports, and supporting small businesses—to reduce competition over petroleum revenues.
• Joint Security Training Program: AU–EU–UN–coordinated courses for the new national army, focused on human-rights compliance and border management.
• Expanded Civil-Society Dialogue: Inclusion of unions, youth groups, and women’s associations to build grassroots support and civic oversight of the transition.

Updates and Emerging Challenges

• Parliament Reopened: Tripoli’s legislature resumed sessions in early June 2025, though some Tobruk-aligned deputies dispute its legitimacy.
• Election Preparations: The pre-campaign phase began in late May with extended deadlines for party and candidate registration, overseen by UNSMIL.
• Ongoing Security Incidents: Drone strikes have been reported near Sirte, and a militia blockade briefly cut fuel supplies to Zawiya’s power plant, causing blackouts in Tripoli.
• Humanitarian Concerns: Displacement in southern Libya has surged; many internally displaced persons still lack reliable access to clean water and basic medical care.

Africa Security Analysis continues to monitor Libya closely and underscores that only the swift, transparent implementation of these AU decisions can prevent further escalation and pave the way for lasting stability.