Dateline Libya

12/09/2023

⚠️ Eastern is reeling from the aftermath of . Several cities have been inundated, with some declared disaster zones.

Major infrastructure including roads, electricity grids, and communication networks are severely impacted.

Initial reports suggest extensive property damage, with a rising death toll feared in the hundreds.

Despite the scale of devastation, international media coverage remains sparse and aid from the global community is urgently needed.

This is unprecedented for Libya, as the country has never encountered such a calamity and authorities are ill-prepared for its aftermath.

Immediate needs:

- Search & rescue teams
- Temporary housing
- Aid and relief supplies

For media outlets wanting to cover this tragedy, see ⁦‪‬⁩ ⁦‪‬⁩ for footage and follow ground reporters like ⁦‪‬⁩ & ⁦‪‬⁩ for real-time updates.

For any international organisations wanting to deliver aid, get in touch with the ⁦‪‬⁩ and local authorities in the east ⁦‪‬⁩.

#ليبيا

⚠️ Eastern is reeling from the aftermath of . Several cities have been inundated, with some declared disaster zones. Major infrastructure including roads, electricity grids, and communication networks are severely impacted. Initial reports suggest extensive…

01/09/2023

“Libya's Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al-Dbeibah has vowed no normalisation with Israel following a scandal that erupted over a meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers.

“Al-Dbeibah said his government "completely rejects" any normalisation deal with Israel and highlighted Libya's complete commitment to the "Palestinian people and their just cause".

“It follows a reported encounter in Rome between Libya Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush and her Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen, sparking angry protests in Tripoli and a political crisis in Israel…>>

The Libyan Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush fled the country after a reported meeting with her Israeli counterpart.

29/08/2023

“According to one expert on Libya, Jalel Harchaoui of the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies in the UK, ‘PM Dbeibah followed the temptation to pull some kind of a diplomatic stunt, but his attempt went awry.’

“The stunt was in response to pressure… from the United States, where Joe Biden’s mindless obsession with brokering normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states has reached new heights of recklessness. The Biden administration has been talking with Dbeibah about a normalization deal, and Dbeibah has reportedly been ‘open’ to the idea. Haftar, for his part, is well known to be on good terms with the Israeli government, with his son having visited Israel in 2021 and offered Israel normal relations in exchange for backing Haftar in his struggle with Dbeibah.”… >>

As protests broke out in Libya following an intentional leak that Israel’s Foreign Minister met with his Libyan counterpart, it became clear that neither Biden nor Israel mind endangering Libyan lives.

28/08/2023

Tripoli, Libya – Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh has suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush and referred her to an investigatory committee, following revelations that Mangoush privately met with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Rome last week, sparking outrage in Libya which has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel.

Protesters gathered outside Dbeibeh’s Tripoli home demanding accountability, while others stormed the downtown Foreign Ministry building where Mangoush’s office is located. According to Israel’s statement, the two FMs discussed potential bilateral relations and preserving Jewish sites in Libya during the secret meeting facilitated by Italy’s FM…>>

Tripoli, Libya - Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh has suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush and referred her to an investigatory committee,

27/08/2023

Israel's foreign minister allegedly held a meeting with Libya's foreign minister in Italy last week, even though the two countries do not have diplomatic relations, a statement from the Israeli foreign ministry said on Sunday.

The statement said that the meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Libyan Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush was facilitated by Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani…>>

An Israeli statement has said that Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met with his Libyan counterpart Najla Mangoush

25/08/2023

Libyan troops loyal to eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an airborne assault on a Chadian rebel headquarters in the southern desert late Friday, his office said.

17/08/2023

The death toll from clashes in Tripoli has risen to 55 killed with another 146 injured, according to the city’s Emergency and Support Center, after forces detained an ally of the prime minister, triggering violence across the capital.

TRIPOLI - The death toll from clashes in Tripoli has risen to 55 killed with another 146 injured, according to the city's Emergency and Support Center,

16/08/2023

Gun battles between two leading armed groups in the Libyan capital Tripoli have killed 27 people and wounded 106, a toll update from the Emergency Medicine Centre said Wednesday.

15/08/2023

Clashes broke out in the Libyan capital Tripoli late on Monday, residents said, and flights to the city's main airport were suspended, after the reported seizure of a powerful armed faction commander by a rival force…>>

A resident in Furnaj district said: 'We have heard gunfire for almost two hours now and we do not know what will happen. We fear for our safety.'

08/07/2023

Rivals in politically divided Libya have agreed to form a committee on sharing oil revenues, a move welcomed Saturday by the UN, after military strongman Khalifa Haftar sought a "fair" split.>>

Rivals in war-torn and politically divided Libya have agreed to form a committee on sharing oil revenues.

20/06/2023

UN envoy Abdoulaye Bathily said Monday that a deal between Libyan rival camps over long-delayed elections contained "politically contested issues" that could spark a new crisis in the divided country, the AFP reports.

With both sides attempting to come to a deal over new elections in Libya, UN's Africa envoy fears that the deal contains aspects that could lead to more violence.

30/05/2023

Gunshots rang out in Libya's capital early Monday following hours of fighting between two armed groups both aligned with the divided country's UN-backed government, local medics and media reported.

The latest Tripoli fighting comes after drone strikes ordered by Dbeibah's government near the western city of Zawiya, claimed to be on targets connected to fuel and drug smuggling and people trafficking.

16/05/2023

Libya's eastern-based parliament voted on Tuesday to replace Fathi Bashagha as prime minister, its spokesperson said, after he failed to take office in Tripoli where the incumbent Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah has refused to cede power.

The parliament assigned Bashagha's finance minister Osama Hamad to take over his duties, parliament spokesperson Abdullah Belhaiq said, part of an apparent new push to oust Dbeibah and install a new government in Tripoli.

Libya's eastern-based parliament voted on Tuesday to replace Fathi Bashagha as prime minister.

14/05/2023

Libyan security forces said Sunday they had deployed in Zawiya after battles between armed groups in the western city left three people dead including two civilians, according to medics.

Libyan security forces have deployed in a western city after fierce armed clashes between rival groups.

11/03/2023

“Speaking at a Tripoli press conference today on his recent creation, the High-Level Panel for Elections, SRSG and UNSMIL head Abdoulaye Bathily said Libya’s post-2011 interim arrangements are a source of instability which puts the future of this country at risk…”>>

Speaking at a Tripoli press conference today on his recent creation, the High-Level Panel for Elections, SRSG and UNSMIL head Abdoulaye Bathily said Libya’s post-2011 interim arrangements are a source of instability which puts the future of this country at risk. On an international level, he said ...

09/03/2023

Libya's interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah indirectly acknowledged on Thursday that his administration had been involved in the transfer of a Lockerbie bombing suspect to the United States last week.

Libya's Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah indirectly acknowledged on Thursday that his administration had been involved in the transfer of a Lockerbie bombing suspect to the United States last week.

03/03/2023

Libya's High State Council voted on Thursday for a constitutional amendment intended to provide a basis for elections but there appeared to be little progress on big disagreements standing in the way of a national vote.

Libya, which has been mired by a political stalemate since late 2021, saw a new constitutional amendment ushered in to form the basis of elections, however, there have been no major breakthroughs to secure a date at the polls.

28/02/2023

“Informed Libyan sources reported that Abd al-Hamid Dbeibeh, Prime Minister of the interim Government of National Unity in Tripoli, is working at an accelerated pace to normalize relations with Israel through Abu Dhabi. “Dbeibeh asked Aviv for US support to continue in the government in exchange for normalization and opening relations.”>>

Informed Libyan sources reported that Abd al-Hamid Dbeibeh, Prime Minister of the interim Government of National Unity in Tripoli, is working at an accelerated pace to normalize relations with Israel

20/02/2023

Libya is reported among the worst countries in Africa in 2022 in terms of governance, and ranked at 45 the 2022 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, which examined the status of governance across 54 countries in the continent over the past ten years.

Libya is reported among the worst countries in Africa in 2022 in terms of governance, and ranked at 45 the 2022 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, which examined the status of governance across 54 c

06/02/2023

The “Stability Support Apparatus”, headed by Ghniwa Al-Kikli, decided to establish a company to work in the field of oil services, in the oil sector, under the name of “North African Development and Investment Company.”…>>
https://libyaupdate.com/tripoli-militant-starts-oil-company-and-demands-noc-to-award-it-project-contracts/?fbclid=IwAR1-55ct-8sFvFqhwAERfkVBgtcbilpgIojGt6ShXAEq8X92lFonjzpMgGU

04/02/2023

“The Libyan government headed by Fathi Bashagha, appointed by the Libyan Parliament, announced that Bashagha’s meeting with Field Marshal Khalifa Hafar, commander of the Libyan National Army, discussed the current political situation, foreign and armed military presence on Libyan territory, combating terrorism, illegal immigration, and border protection.

“The meeting, which took place in al-Rajma, east of Benghazi, was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hafid Qaddor, Minister of State for Prime Minister and Cabinet Affairs Muhammad Farhat, and Director of the Office of the General Commander Lieutenant General Khairy Al-Tamimi…”>>

The Libyan government headed by Fathi Bashagha, appointed by the Libyan Parliament, announced that Bashagha’s meeting with Field Marshal Khalifa Hafar, commander of the Libyan National Army, discussed

28/01/2023

“The General Awqaf Authority in Tripoli, which is controlled by the former Grand M***i of Libya, dismissed by the House of Representatives (HoR), al-Sadiq al-Ghariani, seeks to spread extremist ideology in Libya through religious schools in Tripoli and its environs, in addition to a religious program that targets primary and preparatory public schools…”>>

The General Awqaf Authority in Tripoli, which is controlled by the former Grand M***i of Libya, dismissed by the House of Representatives (HoR), al-Sadiq al-Ghariani, seeks to spread extremist ideolog

23/01/2023

“Libyan diplomat and politician, Hassan al-Saghir, has described the meeting of Arab foreign ministers, which took place in Tripoli yesterday, as a ‘failure’ after powerful Arab foreign ministers boycotted the meeting.

“‘The evidence for the failure of the meeting is in the words of Minister Najla Al-Manqoush herself,’” al-Saghir stated via Facebook. ‘a press conference in which there is no final statement, not even mention of the topics that were discussed, not even an agenda to consult about,’ he added…”>>

Libyan diplomat and politician, Hassan al-Saghir, has described the meeting of Arab foreign ministers, which took place in Tripoli yesterday, as a "failure" after powerful Arab foreign ministers boyco

15/01/2023

“Abdul-Bari Al-Faylog, an infamous Libyan Islamist fighter, died on Sunday at age 54, according to multiple reports.

“Born in Tripoli in 1969, Al-Faylog joined the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), a designated terrorist organization, in 1995 and spent subsequent years between Pakistan and Afghanistan alongside members of Al-Qaeda…”>>

Abdul-Bari Al-Faylog, an infamous Libyan Islamist fighter, died on Sunday at age 54, according to multiple reports.

05/01/2023

The U.N. Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has welcomed the joint declaration announced in Cairo today by Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, and chairman of the High Council of State, Khaled Al-Mishri, which they agreed on drawing a “clear and specified” roadmap later in order to hold the long-awaited elections…>>

The U.N. Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has welcomed the joint declaration announced in Cairo today by Speaker of Libya's House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, and chairman of the High Council of State,

25/12/2022

The General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar has said “LNA General Command announces a final opportunity through which a road map is drawn and elections are held.”

“We recall that we are the first to call for free, fair and transparent elections, and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) must shoulder its responsibility to solve the Libyan crisis,” Haftar confirmed…>>

The General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar has said "LNA General Command announces a final opportunity through which a road map is drawn and elections are hel

23/12/2022

“The extradition to the US of Muammar Gaddafi’s most trusted and notorious aide was abruptly halted by Libya at the 11th hour this week for fear of public anger after the handover of another ex-senior Libyan intelligence operative, officials in Tripoli have told the Guardian…”>>

Extradition of Abdullah al-Senussi over Lockerbie bombing would have closely followed that of Mohammed Abouagela Masud

18/12/2022

Amnesty International has criticized the handover of Abu Agila Masoud Al-Marimi, a former Libyan intelligence operative, to the U.S. where he faces charges over alleged involvement in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing…

“We have long called for accountability for crimes [including the Lockerbie attack] under international law but this has to be done in a manner that respects due process and upholds fair trial rights,” Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, told The Guardian on Sunday.

“In this case even a facade of legality was not maintained … there was no hearing for [Masud] to challenge the lawfulness of his detention and transfer,” she added.

Amnesty International has criticized the handover of Abu Agila Masoud Al-Marimi, a former Libyan intelligence operative, to the U.S. where he faces charges over alleged involvement in the 1988 Lockerb

18/12/2022

Libyan Parliament member Ali Tekbali revealed on Friday evening another kidnapping of a retired Libyan officer by American forces in the Wadi Kaam area, west of Zliten city.

Tekbali tweeted: “The retired intelligence brigadier general, Mohamed Awad, was kidnapped and placed on an American plane in Wadi Kaam.”>>

Libyan Parliament member Ali Tekbali revealed on Friday evening another kidnapping of a retired Libyan officer by American forces in the Wadi Kaam area, west of Zliten city.

12/12/2022

“Libyan political analyst Hafed Al-Ghwell considered the extradition of intelligence official Abu Agila Masud to the United States a “high treason”.

“‘The extradition of Masud in a twisted, illegal and immoral way by Dbeibeh (Libyan outgoing Prime Minister) and Al-Mangoush (Dbeibeh government’s Foreign Minister) will open the doors of legal and political accountability for them both,’ said Al-Ghwell, the senior fellow and executive director of the North Africa Initiative at the SAIS Foreign Policy Institute (FPI) of Johns Hopkins University…”>>

Libyan political analyst Hafed Al-Ghwell considered the extradition of intelligence official Abu Agila Masud to the United States a "high treason".

08/12/2022

The Justice Ministry of the Government of National Unity, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, has requested that the Foreign Ministry removes infamous human trafficker Abdel Rahman Milad, known as Bija, from international sanctions list, leaked document shows.>>

The Justice Ministry of the Government of National Unity, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, has requested that the Foreign Ministry removes infamous human trafficker Abdel Rahman Milad, known as Bija, from

06/12/2022

The government of Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh has increased the economic suffering by spending 300 billion dinars (roughly 61 billion dollars) on matters that have nothing to do with the Libyan citizen,” member of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim al-Dresi, confirmed, adding that “the time has come for its departure.”>>

The government of Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh has increased the economic suffering by spending 300 billion dinars (roughly 61 billion dollars) on matters that have nothing to do with the Libyan citizen,” memb

30/11/2022

“Last month Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) agreed for BP to start drilling for and producing natural gas in a major project off the coast of the north African country.

“The UK corporation, on whose board sits former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers, controls exploration areas in Libya equivalent to nearly three times the size of Wales.

“British officials have long sought to profit from oil in Libya, which contains 48 billion barrels of reserves – the largest oil resources in Africa, accounting for 3% of the world total…”>>

British oil giants BP and Shell are returning to the oil-rich north African country just over a decade after the UK plunged it into chaos in its 2011 military intervention, which the British government never admitted was a war for oil.

29/11/2022

Libyan activist and popular rapper Assem Mihirig shares with us a deeply insightful analysis, derived from direct experience, of the workings and power of the militias blighting Libya and the thinking of their leaders, and offers a view of how they can be dealt with.

Libyan activist and popular rapper Assem Mihirig shares with us a deeply insightful analysis, derived from direct experience, of the workings and power of the militias blighting Libya and the thinking of their leaders, and offers a view of how they can be dealt with.

27/11/2022

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said it “joins the world in supporting the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, adding that violence against women and girls in its various forms has been on the rise in Libya.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said it "joins the world in supporting the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, adding that violence against women and girls in its v

21/11/2022

The General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Filed Marshal Khalifa Haftar assured the Libyan people that “their army is ready to assume full national responsibility, despite the unjust ban on arming the military.”

“Our army is loyal to God and the people and has no other purpose other than to defend the homeland and protect the people,” said Haftar addressing community leaders in Sirte city.

“The army will only follow a higher leadership elected directly by the people,” LNA Commander added…>>

The General Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Filed Marshal Khalifa Haftar assured the Libyan people that "their army is ready to assume full national responsibility, despite the unjust ban

16/11/2022

In his remarks Tuesday to the UN Security Council on Libya, UNSMIL head Abdoulaye Bathily said some Libyan institutional players are actively hindering progress towards elections. Delaying tactics to postpone the elections indefinitely will only deepen the crisis. The genuine political will of these actors needs to be tested against reality, he added. Bathily said […]

In his remarks Tuesday to the UN Security Council on Libya, UNSMIL head Abdoulaye Bathily said some Libyan institutional players are actively hindering progress towards elections. Delaying tactics to postpone the elections indefinitely will only deepen the crisis. The genuine political will of these...

13/11/2022

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu admitted that the maritime memorandum with Libya “is not an international agreement, because the UN-backed government is not authorized to sign.”

“The maritime agreement signed between Turkey and Libya in 2019, is just a memorandum, and it cannot be approved by the Libyan Parliament,” Cavusoglu said at a parliamentary meeting last Tuesday regarding the 2023 budget, according to press leaks.>>

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu admitted that the maritime memorandum with Libya "is not an international agreement, because the UN-backed government is not authorized to sign." “The maritim

18/10/2022

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04/10/2022

Libya’s Tripoli government signed a series of preliminary economic agreements with Turkey on Monday that included potential energy exploration in maritime areas, but Libya’s eastern-based parliament rejected the move.

Libya’s Tripoli government signed a series of preliminary economic agreements with Turkey on Monday that included potential energy exploration in maritime