In brief
The UN Security Council approved Resolution 2835 extending the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for another year, a development welcomed by Libyan Presidential Council head Mohamed Menfi and eastern Libyan authorities. Menfi praised UNSMIL’s mediation role and urged national unity, while eastern officials called for unifying state institutions and preparing for free elections. The resolution received 13 affirmative votes, with Russia and Greece abstaining.
On November 1, 2026, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2835, extending the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for an additional twelve months. The vote passed with 13 members in favor and Russia and Greece abstaining.
Libyan Presidential Council head Mohamed Menfi, who posted on his Facebook page, welcomed the resolution, saying the UN mission had played a key role in mediation and that it reinforced Libya’s sovereignty, national unity, and the political process frameworks.
Eastern Libyan authorities also welcomed the extension. They said the resolution would help unify state institutions, end divisions, and lay a groundwork for free and fair elections that reflect national consensus.
UNSMIL has been working in Libya since 2009 to support the political transition and to assist peace talks between rival governments. The mission’s renewed mandate will keep it on ground in both western and eastern Libya, where the Government of National Unity in Tripoli and the House of Representatives–backed administration in Benghazi still struggle to coordinate.
Menfi cautioned that any understanding not built on national consensus would likely fail to secure a lasting settlement. He urged Libya’s leaders to keep moving toward unity and shared governance.
Eastern officials echoed the call for a unified executive authority and a consolidated legal framework. They said these steps are essential for upcoming elections that reflect Libya’s interests as one country.
By extending UNSMIL’s work, the UN hopes to keep momentum and pressure the rival administrations to cooperate, aiming to bring greater stability to a nation still reeling from years of division.
