NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES
- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that 787,326 migrants are currently registered in Libya, with 54% of them concentrated in western cities. The data, covering the period between August and October 2023, highlights that adult males account for 78% of the total, with women and children making up 11% each. Among children, 4% are unaccompanied. Migrants in Libya primarily originate from five countries: Sudan (26%), Niger (24%), Egypt (21%), Chad (10%), and Nigeria (4%). The IOM also noted that approximately 200,000 Sudanese migrants have arrived in Libya since the outbreak of civil war in Sudan in April 2023. Most Sudanese migrants initially settle in the southern city of Kufra before moving northward toward coastal cities.
- The Tripoli Security Directorate announced the arrest of a serial killer following a joint operation involving the Suq Al-Juma Police Station, the Security Convoy Unit, and the Criminal Investigation Office. The investigation began with a report of a woman’s murder in the Suq Al-Juma area. Security forces identified and apprehended the suspect, who later confessed to the crime. According to the Directorate’s statement, the suspect admitted to killing the woman by striking her with a fire extinguisher outside her home. During the investigation, he also made shocking confessions about committing additional murders.
- A high-level United Nations delegation, led by Acting Head of Mission Stephanie Khouri, visited the city of Kufra to evaluate the situation of Sudanese refugees and ongoing humanitarian efforts. The delegation included representatives from several UN agencies, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). During the visit, the delegation held discussions with local authorities, partners, refugees, and host communities to review the implementation of the refugee response plan for Sudanese nationals in Libya. They also examined the challenges and achievements of ongoing humanitarian operations.
- Spanish authorities have dismantled a criminal network accused of smuggling Belgian horses to Libya using forged documents. The operation, led by the Civil Guard in Murcia, Spain, involved close collaboration with animal health authorities and Belgian officials. According to the Spanish Civil Guard, the suspect orchestrated the illegal transport of nearly 100 horses. Investigators revealed that the horses were brought from Belgium and exported via Spanish coastal cities, including Cartagena. So far, 90 horses have reportedly been sent to Libya, with two others shipped to Lebanon. The suspect, identified as the head of a Belgian horse transportation company, allegedly falsified documentation to facilitate the illegal export. Authorities in Murcia began investigations after irregularities were flagged in the transportation permits.
- The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has called on the international community to act urgently to address the pressing needs of Sudanese refugees in Libya. In a statement released on Thursday, the IRC emphasized that immediate and comprehensive measures are essential to prevent further deterioration in living conditions and mitigate the growing humanitarian crisis. According to the IRC, over 70% of Sudanese refugee families in Libya live in inadequate housing across multiple regions. Many of these families spend more than half of their income on rent, further straining their already fragile circumstances.
- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 499 migrants were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya during the week of December 10 to December 16, 2024. This marks another alarming week in the ongoing migration crisis across the central Mediterranean, one of the deadliest routes in the world. Since the start of 2024, 27,052 migrants have been intercepted and sent back to Libya, according to the IOM. Tragically, 1,532 migrants have lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean, while 987 others remain missing. These figures reveal the immense dangers faced by migrants who embark on this treacherous journey in search of safety and opportunity. The central Mediterranean remains a hotspot for irregular migration, as thousands of people—primarily from sub-Saharan Africa—attempt to reach Europe. Libya serves as a key departure point due to its proximity to southern Europe, but the conditions migrants face both at sea and upon their return to Libya are dire.
NATIONAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES
- Military intelligence chiefs from Libya’s neighbouring countries concluded their first regional security conference in Tripoli. The discussions focused on enhancing security coordination and cooperation to address critical challenges, including terrorism, organised crime, irregular migration, and the need for joint efforts to secure borders and promote regional stability. Representatives from Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, Chad, and Niger participated in the conference, which was initiated by Libyan authorities. The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle shared security concerns and highlighted Libya’s role in fostering regional dialogue. The conference concluded with a tour of Tripoli’s historical and cultural landmarks, led by Major General Mahmoud Hamza, Director of Libya’s Military Intelligence Directorate.
- The embassies of France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the US have welcomed the recent Security Council briefing by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on 16 December 2024. The briefing, delivered by UNSMIL Officer-in-Charge Stephanie Koury, outlined a proposed strategy to advance the political process in Libya. In a joint statement, the embassies expressed strong support for inclusive efforts to achieve a political agreement aimed at reversing institutional fragmentation and unifying the Libyan government. They emphasised the importance of creating a credible pathway for free, fair, and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections. Such measures, they noted, align with the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people and adhere to Security Council resolutions.
- The Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the release of a second group of Tunisian nationals detained in Libya. The individuals had been held for over two weeks due to customs violations related to exceeding the permitted transport of goods. Mustafa Abdelkebir, head of the observatory, reported that 18 detainees have been released so far, with 12 others scheduled to appear before Libyan courts next Thursday. He clarified that the offences involve customs-related infractions, which do not warrant imprisonment. Punishments included confiscation of goods, vehicle seizures, and fines of up to 4,000 Libyan dinars per person. Abdelkebir emphasised the need for more efficient border-crossing procedures to reduce waiting times and called for mutual respect and streamlined processes between the two nations.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- The General Director of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, Eng. Belqasim Haftar, welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to Libya, Izuru Shimura, along with his diplomatic delegation at the fund’s headquarters in Derna. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between the fund and Japanese companies to support development and reconstruction projects in Libya. Discussions focused on exploring ways to benefit from Japanese expertise in implementing infrastructure and reconstruction projects that would contribute to comprehensive development across Libya. Following the meeting, Ambassador Shimura, accompanied by Eng. Belqasim Haftar, toured several ongoing projects in Derna, including the Port Bridge Project and the 2,000 Housing Units Project. The visit highlighted the progress made in these initiatives, which form a key part of the fund’s vision for revitalizing the city’s infrastructure.
- Libyan Oil Minister of the Government of National Unity, Khalifa Abdulsadiq, participated in the 113th ministerial meeting of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), held in Kuwait. Discussions at the meeting included the proposed renaming of OAPEC to the “Arab Energy Organisation” alongside a new logo and visual identity, reflecting a shift towards diverse energy sources, including renewables, according to a statement by Libya’s Ministry of Oil. Key topics also covered included the organisation’s draft budget for 2025, financial matters, and incentives. Participants addressed the implementation of OAPEC’s resolution on the Middle East Green Initiative and the adoption of a circular carbon economy model. The meeting agreed to extend the operations of the Arab Petroleum Training Institute, a subsidiary of OAPEC, and confirmed Kuwait as the host for the next ministerial session.
