Maghreb Edition

Libya: Protesters Gather at UN Mission in Janzour Demanding Accelerated Elections, Warning of National CollapseF

Posted On 4 January 2026

Number of times this article was read : 583

Dozens of demonstrators assembled outside the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) headquarters in Janzour on January 2, 2026, representing political parties, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups. The protest focused on demands for expedited simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, with participants warning of severe consequences if the electoral process continues to be delayed.

Demands and Specific Timeline

Protesters issued a strongly worded statement outlining specific demands directed at the UN mission. The statement called on UNSMIL to “accelerate implementation of the roadmap” presented by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative to the Security Council, which centers on organizing concurrent elections. Demonstrators emphasized the need for UN support following the High National Electoral Commission’s announcement of its readiness to conduct both electoral processes in April 2026.

The statement urged UNSMIL to respond immediately to the position articulated by the House of Representatives speaker, who proposed conducting elections under the existing dual-government structure without forming a new interim administration. Protesters cited the successful implementation of municipal elections as practical evidence that national elections can proceed under current conditions.

Warnings of Systemic Failure and International Accountability

The demonstrators’ statement included explicit warnings about delay consequences, holding UNSMIL responsible for “the continuation of deteriorating living and economic conditions” that threaten to push the country “into a state of comprehensive collapse and chaos” if elections are not held. Protesters called on “foreign states intervening in Libyan affairs” to respect the popular will expressed through the registration of nearly three million voters, urging these actors to support the population’s determination to proceed to the ballot box.

Security Council Role and Escalation Strategy

The statement also demanded that the five permanent Security Council members “assume their legal and moral responsibilities” to implement Council resolutions and the UN roadmap aimed at organizing elections this year. Demonstrators concluded by calling on “the Libyan people in all their components” to continue and escalate protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, and civil disobedience actions, stressing the necessity of “bringing down all institutions of tyranny and corruption” that have denied citizens the right to elect their leadership.

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Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.