NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES
- On Saturday, August 03, the bodies of two migrants were recovered after their boat capsized near the coast of Zawiya. In response to a distress call from the security point at Marsa Dilla, a Red Crescent’s Zawiya branch recovery team was immediately dispatched to the site. The team successfully retrieved the bodies, which were handed over to local authorities to complete the necessary procedures. The search for additional bodies was unsuccessful, and local authorities have taken responsibility for the survivors. The Mediterranean Sea has long been a dangerous route for migrants seeking to reach Europe from Africa. Libya, with its extensive coastline and proximity to Italy and Malta, is a major departure point for these dangerous journeys. Migrants fleeing conflict, persecution, and economic hardship in their home countries often fall prey to human traffickers who provide them with unseaworthy vessels for the crossing.
- The Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority’s Green Mountain branch announced on Wednesday, July 31, the deportation of 49 irregular Egyptian migrants. This group included two women and three children. The migrants were deported through the Emsaad border crossing, as per the authority’s statement. This action is part of ongoing efforts by Libyan authorities to manage and control illegal immigration within the country. The Green Mountain branch’s recent operations follow a broader trend of increased deportations and repatriations in recent months. In a related context, the Greater Benghazi branch of the Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority detained 2,017 illegal migrants between 23 June 2024 and 23 July 2024. Among those detained, 145 were found to be infected with Hepatitis C and B, and five others were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, according to a statement from the authority’s media office on Facebook.
- The Libyan Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency in Tripoli has announced the deportation of a new group of irregular migrants. They were sent on two flights from Mitiga International Airport to Niger on Wednesday, July 31. This was announced on the authority’s Facebook page, which also highlighted the ongoing deportation operations. This marks the second group of migrants deported from Tripoli to Niger since 25 July. The first group departed from Mitiga International Airport last Thursday. These deportations are part of the voluntary return programme coordinated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The voluntary return programme aims to assist migrants who wish to return to their home countries. It provides a safer and more humane option for those unable to stay in Libya. The programme includes various forms of support, including travel arrangements and assistance with reintegration once they arrive in their home country.
- The Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority, Greater Benghazi branch, announced on Tuesday, July 30, the detention of 2,017 illegal migrants from June 23, 2024, to July 23, 2024. According to a statement from the authority’s media office on their Facebook page, among the detained migrants, 145 were found to be infected with Hepatitis C and B, and five others were infected with HIV/AIDS. The statement indicated that necessary measures are being taken to repatriate the migrants to their home countries and to regularize the status of others according to the legal procedures followed within the state.
- On Tuesday, July 30, Libya repatriated 369 irregular migrants to Nigeria and Mali, including over one hundred women and children, according to an official statement to AFP. Mohammed Baredaa, head of the Libyan Interior Ministry’s organization tasked with halting irregular migration, confirmed that two repatriation flights transported 204 Nigerians and 165 Malians. Among the Nigerian migrants were nine babies, 18 minors, and 108 women, Baredaa reported. The flights were conducted in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which provides free return flights to migrants and assists in their reintegration through its voluntary humanitarian return program.
- On Monday, July 29, the Italian news agency Nova reported the arrival of 119 refugees evacuated from Libya at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. The group comprised 90 men, 18 women, and eight families. According to a statement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the refugees originated from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan. This marks the third flight executed under a protocol signed in December 2023 by the Italian Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the UNHCR, Arci Foundation, the Sant’Egidio Community, the Federation of Evangelical Churches, and the INMP Institute. The protocol outlines the evacuation of 1,500 refugees from Libya to Italy over three years. This initiative renews a commitment Italy made in 2017, which facilitated the reception of approximately 1,500 people from Libya through evacuation or humanitarian corridors.
- The Sebha Security Directorate, in southern Libya, has announced the arrest of a Chadian gang specialised in forging national IDs and drug trafficking. According to a statement by the directorate, a force from the Criminal Investigation Department, in collaboration with the directorate’s support unit, raided the gang’s hideout late Monday night. Security personnel discovered forged national IDs, counterfeit bank cheques, and quantities of narcotic pills. Legal actions have been taken against the accused.
- Acting Mayor of Zliten, Mohamed Al-Akkari, announced that the committee assigned to assess the damage from the explosion at the ammunition depot in Zliten has recorded damage to approximately 30 homes, a refrigerator warehouse, and a health center. In the same context, the Director of the Media Office in the municipality, Ismail Al-Jousmi, stated that investigations regarding the explosion are still ongoing. On the morning of July 26, residents of Zliten woke up to the sounds of a series of explosions that lasted several minutes, caused by the explosion of a weapons depot at a military site.
- On Sunday, July 28, the municipality of Kufra rejected the establishment of refugee camps for Sudanese nationals within its borders, responding to the ongoing influx of refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan. Abdullah Suleiman, spokesperson for Kufra Municipality, emphasized that the city is already under significant strain due to current conditions and lacks the necessary resources to adequately support the refugees. Suleiman called on the United Nations and international organizations to take responsibility and set up refugee camps within Sudanese territory instead. Suleiman clarified that Kufra has not agreed to any arrangements for establishing refugee camps on its land, stressing that the best solution is to relocate the refugees to other areas within Sudan.
NATIONAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES
- Emad Al-Sayeh, Chairman of the National High Electoral Commission (HNEC), has briefed Musa Al-Koni, Deputy Head of the Presidential Council, on the readiness of the commission to conduct municipal council elections. According to a statement from the Presidential Council, the meeting between Al-Koni and Al-Sayeh focused on supporting the electoral process and ensuring the HNEC’s preparedness for municipal elections. The session was also attended by Abu Bakr Murada, a commission member representing the southern region. Al-Sayeh provided a comprehensive overview of the commission’s readiness, highlighting the steps taken to ensure the smooth execution of the municipal elections. He also outlined the challenges faced by the commission, emphasising the need for continuous support from the Presidential Council.
- According to data published by the “Energy Research Unit,” Africa’s gas reserves reached 17.89 trillion cubic meters by the end of 2023, reflecting a slight decrease of 44 billion cubic meters, or 0.25%, from 17.93 trillion cubic meters in 2022. Libya stands out as one of the top countries in Africa with substantial gas reserves, ranking fifth on the continent. In 2023, Libya’s gas reserves were recorded at 1.51 trillion cubic meters. This significant reserve underscores Libya’s crucial role in Africa’s energy landscape despite ongoing political and security challenges. Leading the continent is Nigeria, with 5.94 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves, marking a 0.5% increase from the previous year. Algeria follows with 4.50 trillion cubic meters, placing it tenth globally. Mozambique holds the third position with 2.84 trillion cubic meters, while Egypt remains stable in fourth place with 2.21 trillion cubic meters.
- The Libyan High Council of State (HCS) has condemned the House of Representatives’ decision to open candidacy for a new Prime Minister as a unilateral move that will not be recognised. In a statement, the HCS urged the House of Representatives to refrain from continuing this approach, warning that it would only perpetuate failure and deepen divisions. The Council affirmed its commitment to the general framework for a political solution outlined in the Cairo trilateral statement. It emphasised that there has been no agreement on the mechanisms for implementing its provisions, including the process for forming a new government. Previously, the House of Representatives announced the opening of candidacy for the Prime Minister position, inviting interested individuals to submit their applications to the Council’s headquarters in Benghazi from Sunday until August 11.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- Libyan Foreign Minister Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij has embarked on an official visit to the friendly Republic of Liberia at the invitation of the Special Envoy of the President of Liberia, President Joseph Boakai. At the outset of his visit, Minister Al-Hwaij met with President Boakai in his office in the capital, Monrovia, to discuss the development of bilateral relations between the two friendly nations. During the meeting, Minister Al-Hwaij reviewed the latest developments in the Libyan crisis, highlighting the efforts of the Libyan government and armed forces to restore security and stability, as well as the ongoing development and reconstruction initiatives across various regions under the Libyan government’s framework.
- Local sources reported, Tuesday, July 30, that the Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives, Ageela Saleh, has arrived in Tunisia. This visit marks the beginning of an international tour that will include stops in the United States and Morocco. Saleh’s arrival in Tunisia is part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen Libya’s international relations and discuss key political developments. The tour aims to garner support for Libya’s ongoing political processes and foster cooperation with major international players.
- The Governor of the Central Bank of Libya, Al-Siddiq Al-Kabir, met with the Italian Ambassador, Gianluca Alberini, in Tripoli. The meeting aimed to explore and enhance the cooperation between Libya and Italy in various banking sectors, particularly focusing on combating money laundering and terrorism financing. During the discussions, both parties emphasized the importance of addressing the risks associated with these illicit activities. They acknowledged that these issues pose significant threats not only to the banking system but also to the broader economic stability and security of both countries.
- Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and Minister of Health, Ramadan Abu Janah, met today with the Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) mission in Libya, Yann Fride, to discuss support for health sector projects. The Ministry’s media office reported that the meeting was held at the Ministry of Health headquarters and covered the committee’s assigned tasks, the activities of its branches, and support for projects across the country. At the beginning of the meeting, Abu Janah expressed his appreciation for the ICRC’s efforts in Derna to provide health support and its efforts to deliver medical services to displaced persons from Sudan.
- The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the Libyan Foreign Ministry have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance development cooperation. This significant agreement aims to bolster joint efforts between the two nations. Libya’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mohamed Zeidan, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. He stated that the MoU would enable TIKA to initiate and implement various projects in Libya. According to Turkey’s TRT news, Zeidan emphasised the shared commitment to fostering cooperation and development.
- On Sunday, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya firmly stated that it has not entered into any negotiations or discussions regarding the supply of crude oil to a Nigerian refinery. This clarification comes in response to recent remarks by the chairman of Dangote Refinery, a major player in Nigeria’s oil industry. In an official statement, the NOC emphasized its unwavering commitment to its existing contracts with international partners. The corporation highlighted its adherence to a structured legal framework for the sale of Libyan crude oil, pointing out that it does not engage in spot market sales. The pricing of crude oil, according to the NOC, is determined by a committee of experts and subsequently approved by both the NOC and the Ministry of Oil and Gas. This announcement follows a statement made on July 16th by the chairman of Dangote Refinery, who indicated that the refinery would seek to procure crude oil from African producers, including Libya, amid ongoing disputes with international oil companies operating in Nigeria.
