On 31 October, Libyan Presidential Council head Mohamed Menfi and authorities in eastern Libya welcomed the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2835, which extends the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for another twelve months. The resolution was adopted with thirteen votes in favor and the support of most Council members, and it came just days before the previous mandate was set to expire.
Menfi, whose statement appeared on his official Facebook page, praised UNSMIL’s role in leading mediation efforts and said the resolution reaffirmed respect for Libya’s sovereignty, national unity and the frameworks governing the political process. He warned that any agreements not based on national consensus would be unable to secure a sustainable settlement.
The eastern authorities echoed Menfi’s optimism and underscored the need to establish a unified executive authority, end institutional divisions and unify sovereign and oversight institutions. They said the move would pave the way for free and fair elections rooted in national consensus and a sound constitutional and legal framework.
The voting record shows that thirteen of the fifteen members of the Security Council voted in favor; Russia and Greece abstained. Xinhua reported that the resolution was adopted on Friday, shortly before the previous mandate expired on Saturday, and that it extends UNSMIL’s mandate for a full twelve-month period.
UNSMIL’s extended presence comes amid ongoing political divisions in Libya, with the internationally recognized Government of National Unity based in Tripoli governing western Libya, and a parallel government appointed by the House of Representatives based in Benghazi governing eastern and southern Libya. The eastern bloc is backed by forces led by Khalifa Haftar.
As the UN mission continues its work, all sides stress the importance of unity and consensus for Libya’s long‑term stability.
