UN Representative Tetteh: ‘Morocco Is a Very Important Partner’ for Libya

Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, head of the UN Support Mission in Libya, lauds Morocco’s pivotal diplomatic role in fostering dialogue and reconciliation between Libyan factions.

By El Mostafa Ouchen | Rabat – August 4, 2025

In a poignant moment of international diplomacy, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, the United Nations Special Representative and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), paid an official visit to Morocco’s capital this week, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing role as a linchpin in efforts to stabilize Libya and the wider Maghreb region.

Speaking during her audience in Rabat, Tetteh praised Morocco as a “very important partner” in the inter-Libyan reconciliation process, commending its “consistent and constructive engagement” with all parties involved in the conflict. Her remarks mark a strong reaffirmation of Morocco’s strategic influence in North African geopolitics.

“Morocco has shown a genuine commitment to helping Libyans find a peaceful, political resolution to their crisis,” said Tetteh. “We value its support in facilitating dialogue and building consensus between the different Libyan factions.”

This recognition comes as Morocco continues to position itself as a credible mediator in regional conflicts, hosting several rounds of intra-Libyan talks over the past five years, including key negotiations in Bouznika and Skhirat. These efforts have led to incremental yet vital progress in Libya’s complex roadmap toward stability, including the formation of interim governance structures and electoral frameworks.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita reiterated the Kingdom’s principled stance, saying:

“Morocco believes that the Libyan people are the only ones entitled to decide their future. Our role is to support them—without interference, but with sincerity and solidarity.”

Strategic Importance in a Turbulent Region

The UN envoy’s visit comes at a time when Libya remains mired in political fragmentation and intermittent violence, years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. With rival governments in the east and west vying for legitimacy, international actors have often struggled to unify support around a single roadmap. In this complex context, Morocco’s neutrality and quiet diplomacy have allowed it to act as a trusted convener of dialogue.

Analysts say that the Rabat visit signals renewed momentum in the peace process.
“Morocco’s approach—discreet, inclusive, and patient—has proven far more effective than pressure-driven interventions,” said Dr. Amina Lahlou, a Maghreb affairs expert at the Institute for Mediterranean Studies.

Broader Diplomatic Implications

Beyond the Libyan dossier, the visit highlights the Kingdom’s broader diplomatic re-engagement with Africa and its support for stability across the Sahel and Maghreb. It also aligns with King Mohammed VI’s vision of South-South cooperation and regional solidarity, as emphasized in recent Throne Day speeches.

The UN continues to back efforts to unify Libya under a civilian-led government capable of organizing long-overdue national elections. Tetteh confirmed that the UN is working closely with all regional partners—including Morocco—to lay the groundwork for a durable political solution.