The United Nations will soon decide whether to extend the mandate allowing inspections of ships suspected of violating the arms embargo on Libya.
The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on November 25 on a draft resolution renewing authorisation for member states to inspect vessels off the Libyan coast when there are reasonable grounds to believe they are carrying weapons or military equipment in violation of the embargo.
The current mandate expires on November 28, according to a report by the Security Council Report.
On the same day, the Council is also expected to hear the semi-annual briefing from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the situation in Libya, to be presented by a deputy to Prosecutor Karim Khan.
Both discussions take place against the backdrop of ongoing political stagnation and persistent security tensions, which continue to hinder the implementation of UN resolutions.
In a report submitted to the Council, UN Secretary-General António Guterres confirmed that repeated violations of the arms embargo are still being reported. Despite the extension of maritime inspection authorisation under Resolution 2780 (2025), the illegal flow of weapons and military equipment remains widespread, fueling rival factions and armed groups across the country.
The document also notes that the European Union continues to operate its “Irini” naval mission in the Mediterranean to monitor compliance with the embargo. Since its launch in 2020, the mission has seized several shipments of military equipment and gathered intelligence on suspicious transfers, though its effectiveness remains limited by security risks and insufficient cooperation from local actors.
According to the report, the situation in Tripoli remains volatile. Political instability, the continued presence of foreign mercenaries, and the fragmentation of military power continue to impede stabilisation and reunification efforts. Institutional divisions between eastern and western Libya, along with competition among militias, further complicate the enforcement of the ceasefire and international commitments.
While the renewal of the inspection mandate is expected to pass without major opposition, several Council members are calling for stronger political engagement and tighter control over arms flows to bolster the UN-led peace process.
MK/te/lb/as/APA