NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES
- The United Nations launched a global appeal for $10 billion by 2025 to address the growing needs of displaced populations, including Sudanese nationals who have fled to Libya and neighboring countries. The appeal, led by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), aims to support over 139 million displaced individuals, refugees, and stateless persons across 136 countries. The funds will focus on providing urgent humanitarian assistance, fostering social integration, and offering long-term solutions for displaced communities. These efforts include integrating displaced persons into local systems for education, healthcare, and employment to ensure sustainable recovery and resilience.
- Two members of Libya’s Ambulance and Emergency Service went missing while assisting in flood rescue operations in Wadi Washtata, north of Bani Walid. The pair, identified as Haitham Al-Ayah and Malik Al-Deeb, were swept away by strong currents as they travelled to support teams in Tarhuna. The incident also saw three vehicles submerged in the flooded valley, including two belonging to the ambulance service and one from the Bani Walid branch of the Red Crescent Society. Local authorities successfully rescued three citizens from drowning in the area, where heavy rain caused significant flooding.
- The Libyan Attorney General has ordered the detention of the financial officer at the Medical Supply Authority following investigations revealing the misappropriation of 1.5 billion dinars. These funds were intended for public and limited tenders, according to a statement released by the Attorney’s Office. The statement highlighted that in 2023, the government allocated 4.5 billion dinars to manage financial aspects related to public and limited tenders and contracts for the supply of various medicines. However, a prior report disclosed that 1.5 billion dinars were diverted from their intended purpose. This mismanagement disrupted public procurement processes and violated the right to the highest attainable standard of health.
- The Head of the Inspection Department at Benghazi Port Customs, Hatem Shawail, announced the seizure of a container holding 2.5 million Tramadol pills. The shipment, originating from Pakistan, was falsely declared as containing medical supplies and equipment. Shawail revealed that the container was flagged as suspicious upon its arrival and placed under surveillance. No individual came forward to complete its clearance within the two-week legal timeframe, further raising concerns. Customs officers inspected the container and uncovered boxes filled with the illicit pills.
- The Libyan southern city of Kufra continues to face mounting challenges as tens of thousands of refugees from Sudan pour in daily, fleeing conflict and instability. According to Ibrahim Belhassan, the Director of the Emergency and Ambulance Service in Kufra, the refugee population in the city is now estimated at over 30,000, with families scattered across urban areas, surrounding farms, and makeshift shelters in over 50 different locations. Belhassan highlighted the pressing humanitarian crisis as winter sets in, emphasizing the urgent need for essential supplies such as blankets, bedding, and other means of warmth to protect the refugees from the severe cold.
NATIONAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES
- Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the importance of stability in Libya during his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. According to Malta Today, the discussions, held at the Office of the Prime Minister in Auberge de Castille, took place ahead of the OSCE Ministerial Council. Abela emphasised Malta’s commitment to supporting Libya, calling for proactive international efforts to back a Libyan-led process that guarantees representation and long-term peace.
- Jaballah Shibani, a prominent Libyan parliamentarian, has officially opposed Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah’s controversial decision to incorporate Tawergha into Misrata Municipality. The decision, which has sparked local protests, is seen by many as an obstacle to Libya’s fragile national reconciliation process. In a recent press statement, Shibani criticized Dbeibah’s decision, calling it “unwise” and asserting that it would exacerbate existing tensions between the government and the local population. The decision, which was made without consulting Tawergha’s residents, has led to widespread opposition and protests.
- Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), held a meeting with Isabelle Savard, Canada’s Ambassador to Libya, and her accompanying delegation at the LNA headquarters in Benghazi. The discussions covered the latest developments in Libya and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. During the meeting, Ambassador Savard reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting international and UN-led efforts to push forward Libya’s political process, particularly in organizing presidential and parliamentary elections. She affirmed Canada’s readiness to contribute to Libya’s stability and economic recovery.
- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has reiterated its support for United Nations-led efforts to achieve a political resolution in Libya, facilitate elections, and unify the country’s institutions to fulfil the aspirations of its people. In a statement issued at the conclusion of its recent meeting, the GCC welcomed the agreement between Libya’s House of Representatives and the High Council of State regarding the Central Bank of Libya. The agreement, which led to the resolution of a prolonged crisis, has resulted in the formation of a new board of directors for the bank. The GCC urged all Libyan parties to prioritise wisdom and rationality by adopting dialogue as the primary means to safeguard the nation’s interests and realise the hopes of its citizens.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- The preparatory meetings for Article IV consultations between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Libya’s Central Bank team continued for a third day in Tunis. Discussions have centred on Libya’s 2024 budget, medium-term financial framework, development spending projections for the next two years, and a unified budget forecast for 2024. Key topics included improving tax and customs collection tools, forecasting macroeconomic performance, budget preparation, energy subsidy reforms, and customs reforms.
- Libya’s Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohamed Al-Hwaij, held a meeting with the German Ambassador to Libya, Ralf Tarraf, at the ministry’s headquarters to discuss the outcomes of the Libyan-German Economic Forum and ways to enhance bilateral relations. The meeting focused on mechanisms to activate agreements between the two nations, particularly in trade and investment. Al-Hwaij underscored the importance of reactivating the Libyan-German Chamber of Commerce to strengthen trade and investment links between businesses and investors from both countries.
- During his visit to the Russian Federation, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and Acting Minister of Health, Ramadan Abu Janah, signed a healthcare cooperation agreement with the Russian Ministry of Health. This significant pact focuses on the development and exchange of expertise in various health-related fields. The agreement emphasizes collaborative efforts in managing healthcare systems, offering short-term professional training, and enhancing maternal and child health protection. It also aims to implement digital technologies within the healthcare system and engage in joint medical scientific research.
- Libyan Foreign Minister of the Government of National Unity (GUN), Taher Al-Baour, met with Malta’s Ambassador Charles Saliba on Sunday to discuss the longstanding bilateral relations between Libya and Malta. The meeting underscored both nations’ commitment to enhancing and expanding cooperation to meet the aspirations of their respective peoples. Particular focus was given to strengthening economic ties. The discussions also covered regional and international issues of mutual interest, reflecting a shared determination to elevate the level of partnership between the two countries.
