***UN Security Council: A3+ Group Demands Release of Frozen Libyan Assets***

October 14, 2025

Algeria – The A3+ group within the United Nations Security Council-comprising Algeria, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Guyana-has issued a strong appeal for the reinstatement of Libya‘s frozen financial assets. Concurrently,the group is demanding an immediate halt to all forms of foreign interference in Libyan affairs. The call was made during a recent Security Council session focused on the evolving situation in Libya.

Restoring Libyan Assets

Addressing the council,Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations,Ammar Benjameh,speaking on behalf of the A3+ group,expressed significant concern over the dwindling value of Libya’s frozen assets. This decline, he stated, is attributable to inadequate management practices within certain financial institutions. The group regrets the lack of implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2769, Paragraph 14, which permits the Libyan Investment Authority to reinvest these crucial funds.

Benjameh urged for swift action,emphasizing the need for a prompt notification regarding the implementation of the regulation and its dissemination to all relevant financial institutions. He highlighted the necessity of allowing the Libyan Investment Authority to effectively manage and utilize these resources for the benefit of the Libyan people.

Economic Challenges and Internal Reforms

The A3+ group also voiced apprehension regarding the economic difficulties confronting Libya, particularly the persistent absence of a unified national budget and the deficiencies in existing monitoring mechanisms. However, they commended the Libyan Presidential Council for initiating a extensive audit of public finances and establishing a specialized body to scrutinize contracts in the vital oil and electricity sectors. This proactive step towards clarity and accountability was praised as a positive advancement.

Foreign Interference and Political Impasse

Despite these internal efforts, the A3+ group maintains that a sustainable political solution in Libya remains elusive due to ongoing external interference. They specifically pointed to the illicit flow of weapons and fuel, which blatantly violates existing Security Council regulations. A firm stance was taken, with the group demanding the complete and immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces, mercenaries, and non-state fighters currently operating within Libyan territory.

The group firmly stated the importance of upholding Libya’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. They assert that any future roadmap for Libya must be Libyan-led and serve the interests of the Libyan people,fostering unity and paving the way for free,fair,and obvious elections.

support for UN mission and Security Reforms

The A3+ group further advocated for amendments to the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to enable it to more effectively fulfill its objectives. This includes bolstering support for security sector reforms and the disbandment of armed groups operating outside the purview of the state. They expressed optimism regarding the completion of the second phase of municipal elections in sixteen municipalities scheduled for October 18th, followed by the launch of the third phase on October 20th.

Key Issue	A3+ Group Position
Frozen Libyan Assets	Urge immediate restoration and reinvestment via the Libyan Investment Authority.
Foreign interference	Demand complete withdrawal of all foreign forces and cessation of external meddling.
Internal Reforms	Support Libyan Presidential Council’s audit of public finances and contract review.
UN Support Mission	Advocate for mandate amendments to enhance effectiveness.

Understanding Libya’s Political Landscape

Libya has been grappling with political instability since the 2011 revolution that ousted Muammar Gaddafi.The country has been divided between rival factions, each supported by different external actors, leading to a protracted civil war and a complex web of geopolitical interests. The control of Libya’s vast oil reserves remains a key driver of conflict, with various groups vying for influence over the country’s energy sector.

Did you know? Libya holds Africa’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 46 billion barrels.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about the key players involved (such as the Government of National Unity, the Libyan National Army, and various tribal militias) is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the Libyan conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions About the libyan Situation:

• What are frozen Libyan assets? These are funds belonging to Libya that have been blocked by international financial institutions due to the political instability and conflict in the country.
• Why is foreign interference a concern in Libya? External actors frequently enough support different factions, exacerbating the conflict and hindering the establishment of a stable government.
• What is the role of the Libyan Investment Authority? The LIA is Libya’s sovereign wealth fund, responsible for managing the country’s oil revenues.
• What is UN Security Council Resolution 2769? This resolution addresses the situation in Libya, including provisions related to the management of Libyan assets.
• What are the challenges to holding elections in Libya? security concerns, disagreements over electoral laws, and the presence of foreign fighters pose significant obstacles to free and fair elections.
• How does the situation in Libya affect regional stability? The ongoing conflict and the flow of weapons and migrants through Libya can destabilize neighboring countries and contribute to broader regional security challenges.
• What is the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)? It is indeed a United Nations mission established to support a political transition and provide humanitarian assistance in Libya.

What are your thoughts on the role of international bodies in resolving conflicts like the one in Libya? Do you believe a purely Libyan-led solution is realistically achievable given the current circumstances?

How might Libya’s ongoing political fragmentation hinder the effective management of released assets?

The A3+ Initiative and Libyan Financial Recovery

The A3+ group – consisting of Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, and Mozambique – has formally requested the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to initiate the process of releasing frozen Libyan assets.This demand, escalating in recent weeks, centers on the principle of enabling Libya’s economic recovery and stabilizing the nation following years of conflict and political instability.The call for asset unfreezing is a key component of broader efforts towards Libyan stabilization and rebuilding its infrastructure.

Understanding the Frozen Libyan Assets

Following the 2011 uprising and subsequent civil war, a substantial amount of Libyan funds – estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars – were frozen internationally. These assets are held in various financial institutions across the globe, including the United States, Europe, and other nations. The initial rationale for freezing these assets was to prevent their misuse by the former regime and to safeguard them for the Libyan people. However, the prolonged freeze has significantly hampered Libya’s ability to address critical economic challenges.

* Asset Locations: Major holdings are reported in US and European banks.

* Estimated Value: Estimates range from $40 billion to over $70 billion.

* Original Purpose: preventing misuse by the Gaddafi regime and ensuring funds benefited the Libyan people.

The A3+ Group’s Argument for Release

The A3+ nations argue that the continued freezing of Libyan assets is counterproductive and exacerbates the country’s economic woes. They emphasize that a controlled and obvious release of funds is crucial for:

* Infrastructure Progress: Funding essential projects like power generation, healthcare, and education.

* Economic Diversification: Supporting initiatives to move Libya away from its reliance on oil revenues.

* Improving Living Standards: Addressing the urgent needs of the Libyan population,including unemployment and poverty.

* Strengthening national Institutions: Building capacity within Libyan governance structures.

The A3+ group has presented a detailed proposal to the UNSC outlining a framework for the phased release of assets, coupled with robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure clarity and accountability. This framework addresses concerns about potential corruption and misuse of funds. Libya’s economic future is directly tied to accessing these resources.

UNSC Resolutions and Existing Frameworks

The legal basis for the asset freeze stems from several UNSC resolutions passed in 2011. Resolution 1970, for example, imposed sanctions on Libya, including the freezing of assets. Subsequent resolutions have modified these sanctions, but the core freeze remains in place.

Currently, the 1970 Committee oversees the sanctions regime and considers requests for the release of funds for humanitarian purposes or specific projects. However, the process is often slow and bureaucratic, hindering timely access to much-needed resources. The A3+ proposal seeks to streamline this process and allow for a more substantial release of funds for broader economic recovery efforts. UN sanctions on Libya are a central point of contention.

Challenges and Concerns Regarding Asset Release

Despite the compelling arguments for releasing the frozen assets, several challenges and concerns remain:

* Political Fragmentation: Libya’s ongoing political divisions and the existence of rival governments complicate the process of establishing a unified mechanism for managing the funds.

* Corruption Risks: Concerns persist about the potential for corruption and mismanagement of funds,particularly given Libya’s weak institutional capacity.

* Security Concerns: The ongoing security situation in Libya raises concerns about the potential for funds to be diverted to armed groups or used to fuel further conflict.

* International Oversight: Ensuring adequate international oversight and monitoring is crucial to maintain transparency and accountability.

Potential Benefits of Releasing Libyan Assets

A prosperous release of frozen libyan assets could yield important benefits for the country and the wider region:

* Reduced Humanitarian Crisis: Improved access to essential services and resources could alleviate the suffering of the Libyan population.

* Economic Growth: Investment in infrastructure and economic diversification could stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

* Increased Stability: A stronger economy and improved living standards could contribute to greater political stability.

* Reduced Migration Flows: Addressing the root causes of economic hardship could help reduce the number of Libyans seeking to migrate abroad.

Case Study: Post-Conflict Asset Recovery – Sierra Leone

The experience of Sierra Leone following its civil war offers a relevant case study. After years of conflict, Sierra Leone successfully recovered and managed frozen assets with the assistance of international partners. Key lessons learned include the importance of