Libya Security Highlights (September 02-08, 2024)

NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES

• Two people have died, and three others were injured in clashes in Al-Khums, east of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, as announced by Al-Khums Teaching Hospital. The Joint Health Room in Al-Khums Municipality declared a state of emergency following the early morning clashes. Al-Khums Teaching Hospital reported receiving the bodies of the deceased and treating three injured individuals. Two of the injured had gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries and were stabilised before being transferred to another hospital. A third patient, who was critically injured, was treated by specialists in surgery and orthopaedics.

• Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced the repatriation of 167 Nigerians from Libya. The group included 77 men, 69 women, 10 children, and 11 infants. The returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. NEMA reported that the operation was conducted under the humanitarian voluntary return initiative, in cooperation with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The Lagos Territorial Office of NEMA, alongside other stakeholders, coordinated the reception of the returnees at the airport’s cargo terminal.

• The International Organization for Migration has announced that 979 migrants were intercepted in the Mediterranean and returned to Libya from 25th to 31st August. The organization explained that the migrants who were intercepted were returned to the cities of Tripoli, Zawiya, Sabratha, Zliten and Tobruk, noting that the number of those intercepted since the beginning of this year up to August 31 totaled over 15 thousand migrants. The figures also included the death of 443 migrants, while the number of missing migrants totaled 611 migrants.

• The Libyan Red Crescent Society announced on Wednesday that a boat with 32 illegal migrants on board sank off the coast of Tobruk. The society’s teams rescued nine migrants and recovered one body, according to a statement by the Red Crescent on its Facebook page. The Tobruk branch of the Red Crescent provided the necessary assistance to the survivors, such as health care and psychological support, and the body of the deceased was dealt with according to humanitarian standards, according to the statement.

• The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported the interception of 979 migrants in the Mediterranean Sea and their subsequent return to Libya during the period from August 25 to August 31. According to the IOM, the migrants were returned to several Libyan cities including Tripoli, Zawiya, Sabratha, Zliten, and Tobruk. The agency noted that since the beginning of this year up to August 31, more than 15,000 migrants have been intercepted. The statistics also highlighted a grim reality: 443 migrants have died, and 611 are reported missing in attempts to cross the Mediterranean this year. The data underscores the perilous nature of the migration route and the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region.

• The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently intensified its efforts to facilitate Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) of migrants in Libya, hosting significant meetings in Tripoli to engage with multiple national embassies. This initiative aims to improve the coordination of safe and dignified returns, ensuring migrants’ needs are met comprehensively. In a notable development, IOM welcomed the new Somali Ambassador, His Excellency Abdi Dirie, to discuss the enhancement of VHR support. This meeting underscored the critical role of diplomatic missions in addressing the complex challenges faced by migrants in Libya.

NATIONAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES

• Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), vowed to drive development and restore stability across Libya, prioritizing the neglected southern regions. Speaking at the First Conference on the Reconstruction of the South in the city of Sebha, Haftar emphasized that southern Libya would be at the forefront of his efforts in the coming period. “We will achieve development and stability in Libya, and the south will be our priority,” Haftar declared in his address, underscoring the strong popular support for his forces, particularly in the south. His comments reflect a broader commitment to addressing the long-standing issues of neglect and underdevelopment in this strategically important region.

  

• Member of the Presidential Council, Abdullah Al-Lafi, has discussed with the French Ambassador to Libya, Mostafa Mihraje, the latest developments of the political process in Libya, and bilateral relations to advance the wheel of peace and stability. Media office of the Presidential Council reported that during the meeting, ways to enhance the political process were discussed, through agreement on the points of contention, between all Libyan parties.

• The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) announced on Monday that significant understandings have been reached to resolve the crisis surrounding the Central Bank of Libya. This development followed separate meetings at the UN mission’s headquarters in Tripoli between representatives from the House of Representatives, the High Council of State, and the Presidential Council. In a statement on its “X” platform page, UNSMIL noted that the consultations, which spanned from Monday morning until late at night, were marked by frankness. The discussions resulted in important understandings on resolving the crisis involving the Central Bank of Libya and restoring the confidence of Libyans and international partners in this key institution.

• The Head of the Libyan High Council of State (HCS), Khaled Al-Mishri, has issued a statement demanding an investigation into the assassination of Abdelrahman Milad, known as ‘Al-Bidja,’ and the prosecution of those involved. In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Al-Mishri expressed profound sorrow over the killing of Lieutenant Colonel Abdelrahman Milad, the commander of the Naval Academy camp. Milad was recognized in the city of Al-Zawiya for his efforts to mediate between its residents during conflicts and for his work in resuming operations at the Naval Academy, which had been inactive for 14 years. Al-Mishri extended his condolences to Milad’s family, loved ones, and colleagues. The assassination occurred in the Sayad area, west of Janzour in the Libyan capital, Tripoli. Milad, also known as ‘Al-Bidja,’ was internationally sought for his involvement in human trafficking and illegal migration crimes.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

• Minister of Transport Mohamed Al-Shouhoubi held discussions with the Russian Ambassador to Libya, Aydar Aganin. The talks focused on activating the joint Libyan-Russian Higher Committee and enhancing diplomatic and economic ties.

• Foreign Minister Al-Taher Al-Baour held talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Demeke Mekonnenon on the sidelines of the ninth China-Africa Cooperation Forum. According to the Foreign Ministry’s media office, the parties reviewed bilateral relations and explored opportunities to enhance collaboration in key sectors.

• Belqasim Haftar, the General Director of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, inked new contracts today with the prominent Egyptian company Arab Contractors to spearhead two major projects in the city of Derna. According to a statement released on the Fund’s Facebook page, the first project focuses on rehabilitating, developing, and cleansing Derna’s seaport. The second involves building a bridge at the city’s entrance, connecting the city to Al Qubbah. “This vital step is part of the ongoing mission to continue the journey of building, development, and reconstruction across all Libyan cities and regions,” the Fund stated.