Libyan soldiers guard at a checkpoint in the southeast of the capital Tripoli on September 4, 2021. (Documentary photo: AFP/VNA)

The council underlined the importance of an inclusive, comprehensive national dialogue and reconciliation process, and welcomed the support of the African Union in that regard. Recognizing the important role of other regional organizations, the Security Council called upon the relevant Libyan institutions and authorities to implement confidence-building measures to create an environment conducive for successful national presidential and parliamentary elections.

UNSMIL was first established in September 2011 to support Libya's new transitional authorities in their post-conflict efforts.  Libya has been embroiled in a conflict that has lasted 11 years since leader Muammar Gaddafi was ousted in 2011. Conflicts over control of the government and a political solution to end a persistent violence continues to threaten to plunge the country back into a state of political division and civil war.