NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES
- Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) has arrested nine individuals accused of human smuggling, linked to the recent boat tragedies off the coasts of Libya and Greece. The FIA spokesperson confirmed the arrests on Monday, emphasising the crackdown on trafficking networks. The accused were apprehended in Gujranwala and Gujarat, according to Daily Ausaf newspaper. Among them is Zafar Iqbal, a notorious trafficker involved in sending minors abroad. Iqbal allegedly took Rs1.9 million and €2,300 to smuggle a child to Italy via Libya. He was arrested in Mandi Bahauddin. Another suspect, Shahzad Yousuf, linked to the Libyan boat capsizing, was detained in Kharian. Yousuf reportedly extorted Rs2.3 million to facilitate illegal migration to Italy through Libya. Similarly, Azmat Ali was arrested for taking Rs5 million from a victim of the Greece boat tragedy.
- The Director of the Investment Office at the Islamic Call Society, Moaz Al-Hashimi Al-Harari, was released after ten days of unjustified detention by armed groups linked to the General Security Apparatus of the Interior Ministry. In a statement, the National Commission for Human Rights in Libya welcomed the intervention of Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour and Stephanie Khoury, acting head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), whose efforts were instrumental in securing Al-Harari’s release. Al-Harari’s detention has raised serious concerns regarding human rights practices in Libya, where arbitrary arrests are not uncommon. His role in driving investment initiatives has made him a significant figure in the country’s economic landscape, and his detention highlighted the ongoing instability and power struggles that characterize Libya post-2011.
- Since the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023, Libya has seen the arrival of over 210,000 Sudanese refugees, according to reports. The number of Sudanese registered with the UNHCR at its registration center in Tripoli has surged to over 57,000 individuals. In the city of Al-Kufra, authorities have issued 125,020 health certificates this year, reflecting the influx of approximately 173,000 Sudanese refugees entering Libya through Al-Kufra alone. The city witnesses an average of 400 to 500 new arrivals daily, according to the UNHCR. However, the UNHCR notes that accurately tracking the number of Sudanese refugees remains challenging due to irregular entry patterns, inconsistent data provided by authorities, and the vast, remote border areas between Libya and Sudan. Additionally, many refugees continue their journey toward cities along Libya’s Mediterranean coastline.
NATIONAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES
- Residents of the Libyan city of Zawiya strongly condemned recent threats from the Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbaiba. The government has reportedly warned of potential military action against the city, citing reasons that residents have dismissed as unfounded and baseless. In a statement, the residents of Zawiya declared their resolve to resist any actions aimed at destabilizing their city. They warned that such threats, if carried out, would lead to catastrophic consequences for civilians and vital infrastructure. The statement criticised the government for undermining its responsibility to protect citizens and accused Dbaiba of endangering lives under false pretenses.
- The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee of the Libyan House of Representatives, Youssef Al-Agouri, emphasized the necessity of halting foreign interference in Libya during his participation in a scientific conference titled “Foreign Interventions and Their Impact on the Libyan Crisis.” The event was organized by the Libyan Center for Studies and Policy Making in Tripoli. The conference brought together a distinguished group of researchers, academics, and specialists from various Libyan universities. Numerous research papers were presented, addressing external interference in Libya and evaluating the role of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). In his opening speech, Al-Agouri stressed the importance of preserving Libya’s sovereignty and unity. He highlighted that achieving this goal requires ending foreign interventions, stabilizing the country through the adoption of a permanent constitution, fostering national reconciliation, and unifying the executive authority.
- The Libyan House of Representatives is working on a draft law to combat money laundering, smuggling, and the financing of terrorism. The initiative was announced by Youssef Al-Agouri,chairman of the committee investigating Libya’s frozen funds abroad, who emphasised the importance of this legislative effort in promoting financial transparency and stability. Al-Agouri highlighted that the proposed law represents a crucial step towards enhancing the legal framework to combat financial crimes, which will help stabilise national financial institutions. He reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to ensuring that Libya’s financial institutions adhere to transparency and accountability. The draft law is expected to be presented to parliament for discussion and feedback from lawmakers.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- Italy’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Luciano Portolano, arrived in Tripoli on Monday for an official visit, signaling Italy’s continued commitment to supporting Libya’s stability and development. Accompanied by the Italian Ambassador to Libya, Gianluca Alberini, General Portolano’s visit highlights the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared strategic interests and long-standing cooperation. Upon arrival at Mitiga Airport, General Portolano was welcomed by Luigi Tofano, Commander of the Bilateral Assistance and Support Mission in Libya (MIASIT). The visit includes meetings with Libyan military leaders and a visit to Italian troops stationed in the country. General Portolano’s trip coincides with the holiday season, emphasizing Italy’s dedication to its personnel deployed in Libya.
- The National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya and Algeria’s Sonatrach have commenced joint committee meetings in Tripoli. The discussions, held at the NOC headquarters, include the main steering committee and several subcommittees. The meetings were co-chaired by Hussein Safar, a member of the NOC board, representing Libya, and Youssef Khanfar, representing Sonatrach. Delegates from both countries are engaging in intensive talks aimed at strengthening cooperation in key energy sectors. The sessions are a follow-up to the memorandum of understanding signed between the two parties in January. Topics on the agenda include collaboration in exploration, production, field development, renewable energy initiatives, training, and human resource development.
