The United States (U.S.) has welcomed the August 30th agreement reached in Tripoli to hold national elections under a unified executive in Libya, warning that those who undermine the political transition could face Security Council sanctions.
Speaking at the UN Security Council in New York on Wednesday, October 14th, 2026, Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, the Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, said Washington had maintained diplomatic efforts to support Libyan-led initiatives to unify the country’s political, economic and military institutions.
She said the engagement had helped deliver Libya’s first unified national budget in 13 years and the joint Flintlock 2026 exercises, which brought eastern and western forces together under the leadership of U.S. Africa Command.
“Our efforts remain fully complementary to UNSMIL’s roadmap, and both tracks share the same goal: a unified executive and a credible path toward national elections that reflect the will of the Libyan people,” Locetta said.
Locetta called for the full implementation of the 4+4 agreement and urged the new House of Representatives leadership, selected on October 6th, under Speaker Abdulnabi, to cooperate with UNSMIL (United Nations Support Mission in Libya) and finalise electoral reform laws without delay. She also expressed concern over the High Council of State’s rejection of the 4+4 agreement, urging the body to honour its commitment.
Locetta said the Council had repeatedly made clear that individuals or entities obstructing or undermining the successful completion of the political transition, including elections, could be designated for Security Council sanctions and held accountable.
She expressed serious concern about recent drone strikes on energy infrastructure that triggered blackouts, disrupted water services and sparked protests across Tripoli, Zawiya and Misrata. She also highlighted the September blockade of the Sharara-Zawiya pipeline, which cost Libya nearly $95 million in lost oil revenue.
“Vital energy facilities benefit all the people of Libya and they must not be targeted,” she said, pointing to UNSMIL’s warning that continued attacks could lead to sanctions. She called for restraint and urged Libyan leaders to act quickly to implement the 4+4 agreement, stressing that the current situation cannot continue indefinitely.
Locetta added that continued U.S. engagement alongside UNSMIL provides a clear route towards lasting peace and national unity. She said Washington looked forward to working with the Council to renew UNSMIL’s mandate, keeping the text focused while ensuring that UN resources are used responsibly.
