The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has expressed his deep concern about the ongoing political polarization in Libya.

This came during a phone call with the Prime Minister of the parallel government, Fathi Bashagha, where they discussed the latest developments in Libya.

“This polarization carries great risks to the hard-earned Libyan stability” Guterres added, stressing the need for continued consensus among all political actors to preserve calm and stability on the ground.

The Secretary-General's spokesman, Stephane Dujarric referred to the United Nations' categorical rejection of the use of violence, intimidation and hate speech, adding that the current impasse requires urgent dialogue to find a consensual way forward, stressing full support for the mediation efforts of the Special Adviser to Libya, Stephanie Williams.