NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES
- The Iraqi Embassy in Libya announced today the voluntary return of 12 Iraqi nationals who had been detained in Libya due to illegal migration. Acting Chargé d’Affaires Ahmed Al-Sahhaf stated that, following two months of coordination with Libyan authorities, the embassy successfully secured the release of 12 young Iraqis who had entered Libya with the aim of migrating illegally to Europe. The embassy provided food, medical care, and high-level support to ensure their safety from human trafficking networks. Al-Sahhaf also highlighted the embassy’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness among Iraqi youth about the dangers of falling prey to human smuggling, which poses legal risks, life-threatening dangers, and financial extortion. This marks another success for the embassy, which had facilitated the voluntary return of over 25 Iraqi nationals in 2024. The initiative aligns with Iraq’s commitment to promoting voluntary repatriation and safeguarding its citizens abroad.
- The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced a funding initiative of $1.5 million to enhance educational opportunities for Sudanese children living in Libya. The program aims to benefit 19,000 children in several cities, including Kufra, Tripoli, Misrata, Sabha, and Ajdabiya, providing both formal and informal educational support. This initiative is particularly focused on addressing the needs of children with disabilities through specially designed programs, ensuring that no child is left behind. Alongside this, the funding will support teacher training to introduce child-centered and inclusive teaching methods, creating an improved learning environment for all students. The Sudanese community in Libya, which includes many families who fled conflict, faces significant challenges in accessing education. With Libya also grappling with its own economic and political pressures, initiatives like this are vital to support vulnerable communities. UNICEF’s program seeks to bridge these gaps, offering Sudanese children the chance to pursue education and build a brighter future.
NATIONAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES
- The US Embassy in Libya has congratulated the Libyan people on the successful swearing-in of newly elected mayors across the country. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Embassy highlighted the event as a significant step in Libya’s democratic process and commended all parties involved for their efforts. “We extend our congratulations to Libya’s newly elected mayors, many of whom were sworn in yesterday. This marks a meaningful milestone in Libya’s journey towards strengthening local governance and democracy,” the statement read. The Embassy also praised the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), the Ministry of Local Governance, and Libyan authorities for ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections. Special recognition was given to the election in Zaltan, where Zayra Al-Maqtouf made history by becoming Libya’s first female mayor.
- Libya has welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, marking the end of over 15 months of intense hostilities. Head of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Mnifi, expressed Libya’s support for the agreement and praised the efforts of mediating countries. “We hope for smooth implementation and full compliance by all parties. Libya previously welcomed the Palestinian acceptance of the proposal introduced by the U.S. President in May. However, delays in reaching consensus led to increased civilian casualties and destruction,” Al-Mnifi stated. The Presidential Council commended the guarantor countries for ensuring the agreement’s execution, reaffirming Libya’s commitment to a just peace supported by the Palestinian consensus. “This reflects Libya’s unwavering support for Palestinian rights,” the statement added.
- The European Union has reiterated its call for the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, emphasizing their removal as a critical step toward ensuring the country’s stability and sovereignty. This stance was highlighted during a productive meeting in Tripoli between the EU delegation and Libya’s Acting Foreign Minister, H.E. Eltaher Elbahour. The meeting showcased the EU’s commitment to fostering peace and economic development in Libya while addressing key challenges that continue to hinder progress. Discussions also touched on the ongoing dialogue between the EU and Libya’s Joint Military Committee 5+5, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining the fragile ceasefire and addressing security concerns. The EU stressed its firm stance on the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries, a key demand outlined in international agreements.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- The Libyan Authority for the Support and Development of Therapeutic Services has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Elegancia Healthcare, a subsidiary of Qatar Investment Holding Company. This agreement aims to modernize and enhance public hospitals in Libya, ensuring a higher quality of healthcare services across the country. The partnership includes training and capacity-building programs for healthcare professionals, as well as upgrading medical facilities in various Libyan cities. The initiative aligns with Libya’s ongoing efforts to reform its healthcare system, spearheaded by the National Unity Government under Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah. The decision is part of Resolution No. 530 of 2024, emphasizing healthcare as a national priority. This collaboration builds on a prior agreement signed in December 2023 in Doha, where Elegancia was entrusted with managing and operating the Misrata Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Hospital. These efforts signify Libya’s commitment to elevating its healthcare infrastructure through strategic international partnerships.
- On Monday, January 13, Lieutenant General Khairy Al-Tamimi, Secretary General of the Libyan National Army (LNA) General Command, Khairi al-Tamimi and member of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC), held a meeting on Monday with Turkish Ambassador to Libya, Güven Begeç, at the General Command headquarters in Benghazi. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two sides, according to a statement by Al-Tamimi on his official Facebook page. During the talks, the ambassador emphasized Turkey’s intention to reopen its consulate in Benghazi soon. He described the decision as part of Ankara’s broader efforts to bolster cooperation with Libya, particularly in economic and developmental sectors. The reopening of the consulate is expected to streamline diplomatic and economic interactions, further enhancing bilateral relations.
