By George M.O. Wiliams
Addis Ababa, June 11, 2026: Sierra Leone has called on the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council to take urgent and decisive measures to end Libya’s prolonged political and humanitarian crisis, warning that instability in the North African nation threatens regional peace and security.
Speaking at the 1351st Meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Duwai Sellu Lungay, expressed deep concern over Libya’s persistent political divisions, recurring armed clashes, worsening humanitarian conditions, and the spread of illicit arms, human trafficking, and violent extremism.
“Libya occupies a strategic position on the African continent, and achieving sustainable peace and stability there must remain a priority for the African Union and its Member States,” Ambassador Lungay stated.
The Sierra Leone delegation urged the AU to intensify diplomatic and mediation efforts to foster an inclusive Libyan‑led national dialogue and create conditions for credible elections as a pathway to restoring legitimate governance.
Sierra Leone also appealed for stronger regional cooperation to improve border security, curb the flow of illegal weapons, and combat transnational crimes linked to the Libyan conflict. The delegation emphasized the need to scale up humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations affected by years of instability.
In its statement, Sierra Leone underscored the importance of enhanced collaboration between the AU, the United Nations, neighbouring countries, and international partners to tackle the root causes of the conflict, support national reconciliation, strengthen governance institutions, and contribute to Libya’s long‑term reconstruction and sustainable peace.