Analysis by the International Observatory for Anti Corruption and Promoting Integrity of the Briefing by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Libya, Ms. Hanna Tetteh, to the Security Council dated 21 August 2025
Executive Summary: The briefing highlights how endemic corruption is one of the deep-rooted causes of the crisis in Libya. It undermines the political process, dismantles state institutions, threatens economic and security stability, and perpetuates an endless cycle of transitional phases. Corruption is not merely a symptom; it is a disease that prevents recovery.
1. Analysis of the Corruption Framework (Forms of Corruption Mentioned Directly and Indirectly)
Political Corruption and Abuse of Power
· Evidence from the text: Suspension of electoral operations in 16 municipalities in the East and 11 others (including Benghazi) by "de facto authorities." "Attempts to disrupt elections" by burning HNEC offices in Zawiya and Zliten. "Part of the status quo might seize any opportunity to delay or obstruct the exercise of the Libyan people's democratic rights."
· Impact / Effects: Deprives citizens of their fundamental right to choose their representatives. Undermines the democratic path and prolongs the political crisis. Creates an environment of instability and absence of legitimacy.
Financial and Administrative Corruption (Nepotism, Mismanagement)
· Evidence from the text: "Parallel public expenditure" (unaudited and uncontrolled spending). "Pervasive corruption issues." The need to "enhance good governance in key sectors."
· Impact / Effects: Squanders national wealth and hinders development. Undermines monetary and financial stability (emergence of a parallel exchange market). Deprives the people of essential services and exacerbates economic hardship.
Nepotism and Favoritism in Appointments
· Evidence from the text: The need to "reconstitute the board of directors" of the HNEC to "fill current vacancies" and "ensure its financial independence."
· Impact / Effects: Weakens institutions, rendering them incapable of performing their duties (e.g., organizing elections). Turns institutions into tools to serve the interests of a specific group at the expense of the public interest.
Security Corruption and Absence of the Rule of Law
· Evidence from the text: "Serious violations committed throughout the country with impunity." "The death of Abdulmonem al Maryami... shortly after a release order was issued." "The security situation in Tripoli remains a grave concern" with "increased mobilization by all sides."
· Impact / Effects: Creates a culture of impunity, encouraging further corruption and violence. Threatens the lives of activists and dissidents and undermines freedom of expression. Renders the environment unsafe for any credible political process.
2. Analysis of the Effects of Corruption (How it Fuels the Crisis from All Angles)
On Political and Security Stability: Corruption is the main fuel for institutional division and elite conflict over power and resources. Decisions to suspend elections are a manifestation of political corruption aimed at maintaining the status quo for the benefit of ruling elites. Security corruption and the collapse of the rule of law create a fertile environment for militias and armed groups, making disarmament and reintegration processes practically impossible.
On the National Economy and Citizen Livelihood: Parallel expenditure means the budget is not spent serving the people but is stolen or directed to serve narrow agendas, worsening the living crisis. Corruption undermines any economic reform (like the transparent foreign exchange platform) because corrupt forces benefit from chaos and the informal economy (parallel market).
On Social Cohesion and Trust in the State: The call to form a "new constitutive council" is an explicit expression of complete distrust in existing institutions due to their corruption and illegitimacy. Corruption increases public "frustration" and "anger," threatening new waves of protests and instability.
On the State-Building Process: Corruption is the main enemy of state-building. How can institutions (army, central bank, electoral commission) be unified when they are weak, fragmented, and hijacked by corrupt interests? Corruption makes a "unified government" a mere fiction if not built on foundations of transparency and accountability.
3. Recommendations Derived for Combating Corruption (Implicit and Explicit)
Based on the analysis, the following recommendations can be derived:
1. Immediately Combat Financial Corruption: Halt parallel expenditure urgently and impose strict oversight of public funds. Roll out the automated salary payment system across all of Libya to combat "ghost employees" and suspicious transfers. Adopt a unified and transparent budget subject to local and international monitoring.
2. Reform Institutions to Restore Trust: Immediately reform the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) by appointing an independent, impartial board and ensuring its adequate funding. Support oversight bodies (Central Audit Bureau, Anti Corruption Agency) and their independence.
3. Link International Aid and Economic Reform to Anti Corruption: Make financial and international support conditional on implementing clear transparency and anti-corruption measures. Make "enhancing good governance" a cornerstone of any roadmap, not just a secondary point.
4. Hold the Corrupt and Spoilers Accountable: Implement targeted international sanctions against individuals and entities proven involved in corruption or obstructing the political process, as explicitly requested by the Special Representative.
5. Engage Civil Society and Media: Support civil society organizations and independent media to act as watchdogs against corruption and convey the suffering of citizens. Empower "women and youth" not only with formal political participation but by giving them real roles in monitoring and fighting corruption.
Conclusion
The report portrays corruption as the malignant tumor eating away at the body of the Libyan state. Stability and elections cannot be separated from fighting this corruption. Any roadmap that does not place combating corruption at the heart of its priorities and practical proposals (not just mentioning it as a risk) is doomed to fail and will repeat the past mistakes that brought Libya to this point.
(Analysis based on the Briefing by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Libya, Ms. Hanna Tetteh, to the Security Council on 21 August 2025)
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