NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES
- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said that it is closely monitoring the sporadic clashes in Zawia that broke out earlier in the day, which reportedly resulted in some casualties including civilians. UNSMIL urged the immediate cessation of hostilities and called on the authorities to ensure the protection and safety of civilians.
- The Attorney General’s Office reported last Wednesday (15 May) that Judicial officers, within the jurisdiction of the Tripoli Security Directorate, were able to enforce arrest warrants issued against 77 people accused of murder. These arrests come in fulfilment of the duty to provide justice to the victims of murders committed during the years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2023, and 2024, the Attorney General’s Office explained. The officers heard the arrestees’ statements, then presented them to the investigating authority within the established dates.
- The Attorney General’s Office reported that the Public Prosecution has ordered the detention of the Director General of the Customs Authority and three heads of departments at Misrata Airport Department. The four customs officials are charged of conspiring with others to take out 25,895.19 kilograms of gold bullion in violation of the regulatory legislation, of obtaining illegal material benefits for others, and causing harm to the national economy. The Attorney General’s Office reported that the detentions were based on Internal Security Service’s reports on gold export activity.
NATIONAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES
- In a fiery speech during a military parade marking the 10th anniversary of the Dignity Operation, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Supreme Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) issued defiant vows and called on Libyan patriots to unite behind a democratic vision for the country’s future. Addressing the crowd in Benghazi, Marshal Haftar declared it a source of “pride and honor” to celebrate the anniversary of the Dignity Battle, in which the LNA gained victory over terrorism and extremism.
- European Council President, Charles Michel, received at the European Union headquarters, the Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba and his accompanying delegation. The Tripoli based Libyan government said the two sides held a meeting to discuss several political, economic and security issues. It reported that Michel affirmed the European Union’s support for the efforts of the United Nations mission to hold fair and impartial elections.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- The Libyan delegation, consisting of students Taha Ragas and Amr Eshkal, made a remarkable participation in the HASALMUN United Nations simulation conference, held at Nisantasi University in Istanbul, Turkey, from May 10th to 12th. HASALMUN is considered one of the most prominent UN simulation conferences worldwide, with the current edition attracting over 400 students from 100 schools and universities representing 20 countries. The conference aims to raise awareness about the work of the United Nations and global issues, as well as develop critical thinking, discussion, and problem-solving skills among participating students.
- The European Union Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM) announced that its Sub-Working Group with Libyan counterparts on Land Border has been officially launched. This collaborative effort, it added, brings together the EUBAM and Libyan Ministries to enhance the management at the Libya-Tunisia border. This will entail EUBAM supplying essential equipment and delivering specialized training for Libyan law enforcement agencies.
