On 31 May Libya-Analysis' Managing Director, Rhiannon Smith, appeared on Voice of America's (VOA) Africa News Tonight segment to discuss the UN's relative inaction on pushing for solutions to the ongoing Libyan conflict. She commented on the recent criticisms Libya's Ambassador to the UN, Taher Al-Sunni, made of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Al-Sunni had expressed concern over the UNSC failing to punish states and individuals hampering Libya's political situation. Rhiannon affirmed that the UNSC is and has been very divided on Libya, making them unable to issue decisions like organising elections, appointing a special envoy, or enforcing sanctions, largely due to different actors pursuing their own interests. Rhiannon said Libyans have lost trust in the UN, which has not shown strong leadership or pursued any tangible actions tackling Libya’s political divisions. Rhiannon also discussed the US's individual approach on Libya, saying that the US seeks to depoliticise the Libyan economy through protecting the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and the Central Bank of Libya (CBL). However, Rhiannon noted that the US has deferred to the UN to help organise elections, which is further curtailing political progress due to a lack of strong UN leadership or direction.
Click here to listen to the full interview with Rhiannon, beginning at 21:05.