On Wednesday, during a meeting with representatives of Southern Libya in #Tripoli, UN special envoy Ghassan Salame expressed his hope to reopen a representative desk in the Southern city of #Sabha.
In light of a discussion focused on the needs of the South and the challenges that it is facing; Salame pointed out that having a desk in Sabha would allow for channels of communication and the implementation of needed programs. He stressed the fact that assistance provided by “UN-related organizations” is not enough and that more must be done.
The Sabha office was closed in 2013. Currently, no formal representation of any international organization in the region exists. As such, international assistance in the South must be done through partnership with local organizations. Furthermore, visits by international officials to Southern Libya have not been possible due to security issues.
Southern Libya has been suffering due to crime, insecurity, tribal violence, and a severe lack of services. Recently, ISIS affiliates have conducted many attacks in the South; taking refuge in the Southern deserts and mountainous areas after being expelled from Benghazi and Sirte. Human trafficking and smuggling are also common issues affecting stability in the South.
#Libya #News
#ArraedLG #BuildingANation
