NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES
- The Libyan Department for Combating Illegal Migration recently deported a group of migrants, including seven Nigerians, three Bangladeshis, and three Ghanaians, for violations of Libyan law. The agency confirmed on social media platform X that the individuals had been held at the Qanfoudah Immigration Detention Centre before being flown out via Benina International Airport in Benghazi. This deportation incident follows recent tensions between Nigeria and Libya, stemming from an incident involving the countries’ football teams during the qualifiers for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Disputes arose after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) claimed that Nigerian players were stranded at a Libyan airport.
- Libya’s Ambulance and Emergency Service has reported that a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Al Khums early today, with efforts underway to rescue those on board. The service said its emergency teams were quickly dispatched from Al Khums, Msallata, Qarabulli, and Qasr Al-Akhyar to respond to the incident and conduct search and rescue operations. The authorities have not yet disclosed the number of people on the vessel or confirmed any casualties or survivors. Rescue workers are reportedly navigating difficult conditions to reach potential survivors and continue their efforts along the coast.
- The Libyan Anti-Illegal Migration Authority announced on Wednesday the deportation of Egyptian migrants via the Imsaad Land Crossing. In a statement on its social media page, the authority confirmed the migrants’ removal due to violations of entry laws and regulations governing entry to Libyan territory. While the exact number of deported individuals was not disclosed, the authority indicated that deportation efforts are ongoing. In a related context, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on July 23 that over 80,000 migrants have been voluntarily repatriated from Libya to their home countries since 2015 through the Voluntary Humanitarian Return program.
- Libyan security forces detained 90 migrants in Sabratha who were allegedly about to be smuggled to Europe by a human trafficking gang. The migrants, from various African nations, were discovered in a hideout used as a staging point for illegal crossings of the Mediterranean. Sabratha, a city in western Libya, is frequently used by traffickers as a key launch site for unauthorized migration to Europe. Libyan authorities have intensified efforts to intercept these operations, with ongoing arrests in areas where trafficking is prevalent. These interventions underscore the challenges Libya faces in managing migration routes and curbing human trafficking from its borders. According to the Sabratha Security Directorate, the successful raid was carried out by intelligence and patrol units who acted on a tip-off, detaining the migrants before they were taken to the coast. Legal actions have been initiated against those involved in the smuggling network, and the migrants have received the necessary care and assistance.
- The Libyan Interior Ministry of the Government of National Unity announced the rescue of 13 irregular migrants of various African nationalities. The migrants had been lost on foot in the remote area of Al-Hamada Al-Hamra, wandering across the valleys of Al-Milq, Zazmat, Qurira, and Al-Artam after being stranded. The ministry detailed that the rescue operation was carried out by desert security patrols from the Qaryat Border Security Sector. The statement added that the security forces provided necessary medical care to the migrants and transported them to the Qaryat security sector headquarters.
NATIONAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES
- Ageela Saleh, Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives (HoR), cast his vote on Saturday in Qubba, marking an important moment in Libya’s ongoing municipal elections. Saleh’s participation highlights the significance of this democratic process as a step toward building a stable and unified Libyan state. These elections, taking place across 58 municipalities, involve 352 polling centers and over 186,000 registered voters. Libyan citizens are electing local representatives to address regional needs and foster development, signaling the country’s ongoing efforts to decentralize governance and empower local communities. Saleh expressed his optimism about the elections’ success and urged all eligible voters to participate actively. He emphasized the critical role of local councils in advancing development, strengthening governance, and contributing to Libya’s stability. Saleh also inspected the election proceedings in Qubba, calling the event a significant milestone in Libya’s path toward political and economic recovery.
- Libya has begun municipal elections across 58 targeted municipalities, marking a crucial step toward strengthening local governance and promoting democratic engagement. The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) officially launched the voting process on Saturday, with polling stations open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. These elections represent the first phase of a comprehensive plan to elect new municipal councils nationwide. Over 200,000 registered voters are participating in this pivotal event, casting their ballots at 372 polling centers across western, southern, and eastern Libya. HNEC emphasized the importance of these elections as a cornerstone for building effective local administrations, urging citizens to exercise their democratic rights and choose representatives who will address their community’s needs.
- The Libyan Interior Ministry of the Parliament-designate government held a joint meeting with the High National Elections Commission (HNEC). The discussion focused on the security plan to ensure safety during the upcoming municipal elections, scheduled for 16 November, as part of preparations to guarantee a secure and transparent voting process. Senior officials from both sides attended the meeting, alongside representatives from various security agencies, where they reviewed the necessary arrangements to secure polling centres and provide a safe environment for voters, observers, and staff. In his address, Interior Minister Major General Issam Abu Zariba, representing the eastern government, reaffirmed the Ministry’s full readiness to secure the elections. He emphasised the importance of close coordination with HNEC to ensure everyone’s safety at polling stations.
- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $3.25 million in emergency aid to support Sudanese refugees who have fled to Libya. The funds will be channeled through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to address the urgent needs of thousands of Sudanese who have crossed into Libya since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan. The crisis, which began in April 2023, has forced over 99,000 Sudanese to seek refuge in Libya, with the UN registering 28,000 refugees through its High Commissioner for Refugees.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- The Libyan-Tunisian Joint Customs Committee held a meeting to address strategies for combating commercial fraud and enhancing trade security between Libya and Tunisia. The discussions are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and follow through on recommendations made by customs authorities from both countries. According to a statement from the Media Office of the Libyan Customs Authority, the meeting took place in the Customs City in Tripoli. The Libyan side was headed by Salem Al-Basir, Director of the General Administration of Technical Affairs at Libyan Customs, and attended by other senior officials, including the heads of technical departments within the General Administration, the International Cooperation Office, the Head of the Ras Ajdir Land Customs Center, and the Libyan-Tunisian Relations Coordinator at the border post. The Tunisian delegation was led by Samir Hanachili, Director of Research, alongside directors of relevant technical departments in Tunisian Customs.
- In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations, Halima Ibrahim, the Minister of Justice of the Government of National Unity, welcomed the accredited Russian Ambassador to Libya. The meeting underscored a mutual commitment to strengthening judicial cooperation between the two nations. The discussions revolved around potential strategies to enhance judicial ties, reflecting a broader commitment to fortify the friendly relations existing between Libya and Russia. This engagement is part of ongoing efforts by both countries to expand their diplomatic and judicial exchanges, aiming to facilitate a more robust legal framework for bilateral cooperation.
- Libya’s Acting Foreign Minister, Taher Baour, reaffirmed the Government of National Unity’s interest in joining the BRICS group and exploring cooperation opportunities with member countries. In an interview with Russia’s TASS news agency published, Baour stated that Libya is keen on joining BRICS and that discussions on this possibility are underway within the unity government. Speaking on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, he said, “We are interested in joining BRICS, recognising the potential benefits that Libya could gain from such a membership.”
