A3 JOINT STATEMENT ON LYBIA

Delivered by H.E. Ambassador Lewis G. Brown II

Permanent Representative of Liberia to the United Nations

New York, 14 October 2026

Madam President,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and my own country, Liberia.

2. We thank Special Representative Hanna Serwaa Tetteh for her briefing and sustained engagement, commend all United Nations personnel supporting Libya, and welcome the participation of Libya’s Permanent Representative.

Madam President,

3. The Libyan people’s resilience deserves a political process that delivers. Progress means Libyans choosing their leaders safely and trusting their institutions. We reaffirm Libya’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, and an inclusive, Libyan-led and Libyan-owned process facilitated by the United Nations.

4. On the political front, we welcome the 30 August Smaller Convening agreement and the House of Representatives’ endorsement. We urge all relevant institutions, including the House and High Council of State, to resolve outstanding differences through UNSMIL’s facilitation and respect for agreed legal procedures, enabling implementation of the electoral framework and reconstitution of the electoral commission’s Board.

5. We note the 10 September Ankara dialogue. Such engagements should reinforce the UN-facilitated roadmap towards free, fair, transparent and inclusive presidential and legislative elections.

6. In April, UNSMIL recorded 2.8 million registered voters. They deserve a credible opportunity to participate. The commitment to work towards elections within 24 months requires immediate milestones and reporting. A timetable must create urgency, never become permission for further delay. Women, youth and communities across Libya must have a meaningful voice.

Madam President,

7. On security, we call for full implementation of the 2020 ceasefire, restraint and protection of civilians. We acknowledge the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and progress towards unified military and security institutions under civilian authority. We reiterate our call for withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries, consistent with Council resolutions, and compliance with the arms embargo.

8. We condemn attacks on civilian infrastructure. We welcome the National Oil Corporation’s announcement of resumed Sharara–Zawiya pipeline pumping and call for uninterrupted, safe energy operations. Libya’s national wealth must finance its people’s future and remain protected from political and armed coercion.

9. We encourage transparent implementation of the unified spending framework, effective oversight and progress towards a unified budget. The integrity and independence of Libya’s sovereign economic institutions must be preserved.

10.⁠ ⁠Regarding Libya’s frozen assets, the A3 reiterates its deep concern over the risk of erosion of their value, including through any misuse or mismanagement. We reaffirm that these assets must be safeguarded for the benefit of the Libyan people, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. We call for transparency and accountability in their custody and management, and for any substantiated violations to be addressed through appropriate legal processes, including remedies consistent with applicable law. We support comprehensive, independent audits of the Libyan Investment Authority’s frozen assets to establish their amount, location and status, and urge relevant States and financial institutions to cooperate with these efforts, consistent with resolutions 2769 (2025) and 2819 (2026).

11. We call for investigations into enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention, accountability and protection of civic space. We support UNSMIL’s call to suspend further executions and uphold fair trial guarantees. Refugees and migrants must be protected, incitement addressed, and humanitarian personnel allowed to work safely.

Madam President,

12. Regional and international initiatives should complement UN-led mediation. We encourage UN coordination with the African Union, League of Arab States and neighbouring States, supporting national reconciliation and victims’ rights.

13. The A3 looks forward to constructively engaging the upcoming mandate renewal of UNSMIL in order to preserve the core responsibilities and provide adequate resources for the mission. Reporting should enable the Council to assess implementation and address obstacles with a united approach.

14. Libyan leaders must turn the 30 August agreement into functioning institutions and credible elections. Libya’s people have waited long enough to choose their future. Our responsibility is to help make that choice possible, peaceful and respected.

I thank you, Madam President.