NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES
- Libya’s Department for Combating Illegal Migration announced the voluntary repatriation of Egyptian migrants through the Musaid border crossing. The migrants were returned to Egypt after being found in violation of Libyan laws. The Department’s statement, posted on its official Facebook page, did not specify the number of migrants repatriated but confirmed that these operations are part of ongoing efforts to manage irregular migration.
- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that over 97,000 Sudanese refugees have arrived in Libya since the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023. Of this number, 65,000 refugees are concentrated in the city of Kufra. In its latest assessment, published on Tuesday, the UNHCR highlighted that 97,000 Sudanese refugees have entered Libya since 2023. Among them, 45,452 have been registered by the UNHCR. However, estimates provided by local Libyan authorities suggest that the actual number of Sudanese refugees could be even higher.
- Heavy and medium weapon clashes broke out inside the External Security Apparatus headquarters in the Sebaa district of Tripoli, according to eyewitness reports. Libya Press reported, citing witnesses, that members of the External Security forces closed the coastal road near Al-Jadida Prison and directed traffic in the opposite direction to avoid the conflict area.
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Alarmphone organization reported that 77 illegal immigrants set off from the eastern Libyan coast and are lost in international waters south of the Greek island of Crete without any response from the authorities there. The organization added that the immigrants told it that there were problems with the engine due to high waves and they could not move, while the Greek authorities did not respond, saying that they needed an immediate rescue operation.
- The Italian Ministry of Interior announced that its anti-human trafficking police shut down 728 online accounts last Sunday. These accounts were being used to facilitate illegal migration from the Libyan coast to Italy. In a statement, the ministry highlighted that criminal groups were operating these accounts to organise and promote illegal journeys from Libya to Italian shores. They provided potential migrants with detailed information on the costs of transportation and payment methods. The shutdown of these accounts is part of Italy’s broader efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal immigration.
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The Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority in Tobruk has confirmed the deportation of 121 illegal migrants from various nationalities as part of ongoing efforts to combat and eliminate illegal immigration. According to the Authority’s media office, the deportees include Egyptians, Syrians, Sudanese, Pakistanis, and Chadians. Many of the deported migrants suffer from critical health conditions, including 18 cases of viral hepatitis and two cases of HIV/AIDS, according to the same source.
- The Libyan Anti-Illegal Migration Agency in Tobruk has deported 121 illegal migrants from Egypt, Syria, Sudan, Pakistan, and Chad. This operation follows the permanent directives of Major General Nouri Al-Saadi, the head of the agency, aimed at combatting and eliminating illegal migration. The deportation process was supervised by Major General Ibrahim Mohammed Larbid, head of the Tobruk branch. Among the deportees, 18 were reported to have hepatitis, while two were diagnosed with HIV. The migrants were transferred from the Bab Al-Zaytoun detention and deportation centre to Egypt via the Imsaad land crossing for Egyptian nationals. Migrants of other nationalities were taken to the Ganfouda detention and deportation centre to complete their procedures before being deported via Benina Airport.
NATIONAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdel-Atty discussed the situation in Libya during their strategic dialogue. Both sides stressed the importance of intensifying international efforts to secure a political solution that guarantees Libya’s stability. Abdel-Atty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Libya’s unity and sovereignty, highlighting that Libya’s stability is crucial for security in North Africa.
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The Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives (HoR), Aqila Saleh, has commended the Egyptian-Turkish rapprochement and said that it contributes to resolving the Libyan crisis as well as facilitates the withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya. Saleh indicated in a statement to Russian news agency “Sputnik” that Cairo-Ankara rapprochement would help prevent a new war in Libya, and facilitate bringing together the visions among the parties to the crisis in Libya with the aim of reaching a solution.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called for the appointment of a UN envoy to Libya as soon as possible. This came during a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati in the Russian capital, Moscow. The Egyptian Foreign Minister stressed the importance of the Libyan people deciding for themselves and stopping the war in Sudan.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
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Foreign Minister Taher Al-Baour met with the French Ambassador to Libya, Mostafa Mihraje, to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation between the two nations across various sectors. During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tripoli, the two officials reviewed recent developments and issues of mutual concern.
- The Ministry of Economy and Trade of the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU) discussed enhancing economic, investment, and technological cooperation with representatives of 18 Chinese companies. The meeting also covered the incentives and benefits available to investors. The discussions took place between the Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Trade, Shather Al-Sayd, the Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce, Wang Hongqiao, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in Henan Province.
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US Envoy to Libya Richard Norland held “productive” talks on Libya with Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ambassador Hossam Zaki. Norland emphasized that the United States and the Arab League are united in their commitment to supporting Libya’s unity, sovereignty, and stability, especially during this critical period of the country’s political and economic challenges.
- Egypt and Turkey are actively collaborating to address Libya’s latest political and economic crisis, a significant shift given their former opposition in the 2019 Battle of Tripoli. According to a report by Bloomberg, both countries are now using their influence to push Libya’s rival governments toward a resolution that could end the ongoing oil blockade and stabilize the region.
