On 13 July, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said it was ‘deeply disturbed’ by the ‘continued abductions, arbitrary arrests, and...
Results for "UNSMIL"
5+5 and UNSMIL discuss ceasefire monitoring mechanism
On 17 June, the 5+5 Joint Military Committee (JMC) and the ceasefire monitoring team of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)...
HRW, UNSMIL slam eastern Libyan authorities for mass deportations
On 9 June, Human Rights Watch (HRW) slammed eastern Libyan authorities for the mass deportation of Egyptian migrants, who were forced to leave Libya...
UNSMIL ‘closely monitoring’ situation in Zawiyya
On 26 May, UNSMIL said that it was ‘in contact with the concerned national authorities’ about the airstrikes in Zawiyya and would continue to...
UNSMIL and UK hold meeting on forwarding security track
On 16 March, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the UK (in its role as the current lead co-chair of the Security Working Group of the...
UNSMIL, US, and France call for HoR and HSC to reach timely agreement
The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) released a statement soon after the House of Representatives (HoR) Speaker Aqeela Saleh and the High State...
UNSMIL rejects ‘fake news’ about Bathily’s readiness to announce a new roadmap
On 28 December 2022, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) released a statement rejecting ‘fake news’ that UN Special Representative of the...
UNSMIL’s mandate extended by UNSC for a year
On 28 October, the United National Security Council (UNSC) voted unanimously to extend the United Nations Support Mission in Libya’s (UNSMIL)...
UNSC votes to extend UNSMIL mandate until October
On 28 July, the UN Security Council (UNSC) voted with twelve votes in favour and three abstentions to extend the mandate of the United Nations...
UNSMIL condemns clashes in Tripoli
On 22 July, United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) issued a statement condemning the clashes in Tripoli and called for all actors to...
UNSC extends UNSMIL mandate through end of July
On 29 April, the UN Security Council (UNSC) extended the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) until 31 July 2022. The UK,...
UNSC holds consultation on UNSMIL
On 19 April, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held consultations on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the mandate of...
UNSMIL convenes 6+6 Joint Committee in Tunis
On 22 March, the UN’s Special Advisor of the Secretary General (SASG) on Libya, Stephanie Williams, convened the first meeting of the 6+6 Joint...
UNSMIL urges restraint amid armed group mobilisation in Tripoli
On 10 March, UNSMIL issued a statement saying that it was closely following with concern reports about the mobilization of forces and movement of...
UNSMIL mandate extended until April 2022
On 31 January, the UN Security Council (UNSC) voted for a technical roll over of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) mandate for three months...
UNSMIL continues broad consultations with Libyan actors
Throughout the last week, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the Special Advisor on Libya, Stephanie Williams, continued their...
UNSMIL expresses concern about security situation in Tripoli
On 21 December, UNSMIL issued a statement expressing concern at the unfolding security situation in Tripoli. It stated that the mobilisation of...
UNSMIL expresses concern over Tripoli clashes and calls for immediate cessation of hostilities
On 3 September, the UN Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL), issued a statement expressing ‘grave concern about ongoing armed clashes, including the...
UNSMIL calls for calm as security actors mobilise
On 18 August, following military activity in Al-Shwayrif, the UN Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL), called on Libyan parties ‘to refrain from any...
UNSMIL under review by Security Council
On 31 July, the UN Security Council (UNSC) is due to receive an independent strategic review of the UN Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL). The...
UNSMIL under review by Security Council
On 31 July, the UN Security Council (UNSC) is due to receive an independent strategic review of the UN Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL). The...
12-19 January: UNSMIL announces LPDF has agreed on a mechanism for selecting the PC
On 15 January, the UNSC approved Jan Kubis as the new SRSG and Head of UNSMIL to replace Stephanie Williams. On 19 January, UNSMIL announced that the LPDF has agreed on a mechanism for selecting the reformed PC and new executive authority in Libya.
6-13 January: UNSMIL announces its expectation that international monitors will be deployed to support the Libyan ceasefire
On 6 January, UNSMIL announced that it had convened the second virtual meeting of the LPDF’s Advisory Committee. On 9 January, UNSMIL issued a statement announcing its “expectation” that international monitors will be deployed to support Libya’s 5+5 ceasefire agreement.
16-22 December: UNSMIL confirms LPDF is unable to agree on new Libyan transitional executive authority
On 14 December, clashes occurred between the Sirte Military Police and the LNA’s 128 Brigade. On 15 December, UNSMIL confirmed that the LPDF is unable to agree on a new Libyan transitional executive authority. On 16 December, the GNA Minister of Defence announced he had formed a committee to follow up on LNA ‘war crimes’.
28 October – 3 November: Head of UNSMIL meets Deputy PM of GNA
On 1 November, Acting Head of UNSMIL, Williams met with Deputy PM of the GNA, Maiteeq to discuss the LPDF. On 1 November, head of the HCS, al-Mishri and an accompanying delegation arrived in Doha to meet with the emir of Qatar, al-Thani. On 1 November, the Russian representative to the UNSC, Nebenzia, reportedly announced Russia’s full support for the exit of all foreign mercenaries from Libya. On 2 November, the US Ambassador to Libya, Norland, travelled to Moscow. On 31 October, Speaker of HoR, Saleh arrived in Cairo.
9 – 15 September: UN diplomat Nickolai Evtimov Mladenov reported as new head of UNSMIL
On 14 September, the Turkish Foreign Minister announced that consultations between Turkish and Russian interagency delegations on Libya and Syria will continue at a technical level. The same day, it was reported that the UNSC was planning on approving former Bulgarian politician and UN diplomat Nickolai Evtimov Mladenov as the new head of UNSMIL. On 10 September, participants of a two-day consultation held in Montreux, Switzerland under the auspices of the HD announced a supposed agreement on a roadmap for a comprehensive solution to the Libyan conflict. On 10 September, German and Italian warships intercepted an oil tanker on its way to Libya from the UAE suspected of carrying ‘a load of jet fuel likely to be used for military purposes.’
27 May – 2 June: UNSMIL releases statement claiming resumption of ceasefire talks
On 1 June, UNSMIL released a statement welcoming agreement from both the GNA and LNA to resume talks based on the 5 + 5 Joint Military Commission (JMC). On 27 May, the Speaker of the HoR, Saleh, met in al-Qubah with the LNA General Command. On 28 May, the GNA removed the Minister of Economy, al-Issawi.
18 – 24 March: UNSMIL welcomes “positive responses” by the GNA and LNA to the ceasefire calls
On 21 March, the UNSMIL welcomed the “positive responses” by the GNA and LNA to the ceasefire calls. However, fighting does not appear to have ceased on Tripoli’s southern frontlines. On 23 March, Serraj held a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Conte. On 18 March, the GNA’s Ministry of Interior announced that it would be signing a contract for the purchase of an Airbus 135 and Airbus 145.
26 February – 3 March: UNSMIL-mediated political dialogue talks falter
The HoR and the HCS refused to attend the UNSMIL-mediated political dialogue talks which began in Geneva on 26 February. The LNA continues to undertake indirect fire attacks on Tripoli.
22 – 28 January 2020: UNSMIL condemns continued blatant violations of the arms embargo in Libya
On 23 January, Algerian Foreign Minister Boukadoum held a meeting with foreign ministers from Mali, Egypt, Chad, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia, the latter five nations sharing a common border with Libya. On 23 January, Greek Prime Minister, Mitsotakis stated the EU would not agree to a political solution to the Libya crisis while the GNA and Turkey maintain their maritime MoU. On 26 January, Turkish President Erdogan, met with Algerian Prime Minister, Tebboune, in Algeria. On 27 January, German Foreign Minister Maas met EU High Representative Borrell to discuss the situation in Libya. On 27 January, UNSMIL issued a statement saying it deeply regrets the “continued blatant violations of the arms embargo in Libya”.
2 – 8 October: UNSMIL condemns airstrikes on Equestrian Club
On 6 October, UNSMIL published a statement condemning airstrikes on the Equestrian Club in Tripoli’s Janzour neighbourhood. On 4 October, UNSMIL issued a statement expressing alarm at “indications that parallel, unrecognized authorities in Libya” are threatening the NOC and its subsidiary Brega.
17 July – 23 July: UNSMIL reopen bids for audit of competing CBL branches
On 22 July, UNSMIL announced the reopening of bids for the selection of an international audit firm to audit the financial accounts of the competing Central Bank of Libya CBL branches.
1 May – 7 May: UNSMIL calls for week-long humanitarian truce
On 5 May, UNSMIL called for a week-long humanitarian truce to start on 6 May at 4:00am (local time), coinciding with the beginning of Ramadan.
5 September – 11 September: Tripoli militias sign UNSMIL eight point agreement
On 9 September, UNSMIL gathered together the key rival factions involved in the militia clashes in Tripoli that began on 26 August to sign an eight-point agreement that included a pledge to refrain from extorting sovereign institutions. This is the second meeting in over a fortnight, with the first initiating the current ceasefire.
4 Apr – 10 Apr: UN release a report on armed groups control of prisons while UNSMIL launch first round of ‘consultative meetings’
On 10 April, the UN released a report exploring armed groups control of prisons in Libya, the subsequent torturing of detainees and how successive government in Tripoli have been inability to curtail these activities. On 5 April, UNSMIL launched its first round of ‘consultative meetings’ in Benghazi and Zuwara, as part of the UN-initiated Libya National Forum followed by meetings in Ghariyan and Brak al-Shatti on 7 April and in Abu Salim on 10 April.
HoR vote for new governor of CBL rejected by UNSMIL
On 19 December, the House of Representatives voted for a new Central Bank of Libya (CBL) governor, replacing incumbent Al-Seddiq Al-Kabir with former Deputy Governor Mohammed Al-Shukri. The UN Special Mission in Libya has rejected the appointment saying that it violates article 15 of the Libyan Political Agreement and must be done within its accord. […]
11-17 October: 2nd Round of UNSMIL Meetings on Libyan Political Agreement Completed in Tunis
On 15 October, the UN Support Mission in Libya’s (UNSMIL) new Joint Drafting Committee, including members of both the House of Representatives (HoR) and the High Council of State (HCS), met again in Tunis to negotiate amendments to the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA). In particular, they debated the final draft articles concerning the appointment of the Prime Minister (PM), the Government and the new Presidential Council (PC).
UNSMIL, Russia, Egypt and Algeria Hold Diplomatic Talks on Libya
Last week, the UN held a conference in Tunis to discuss how the international community can support the GNA’s fledgling presidential guard. A number of high-level diplomatic events in Egypt, Russia and Algeria also took place that may indicate a shift towards a more Haftar-inclusive approach to the Libyan peace process at an international level.
Derna protesters call for accountability over flooding disaster
On 18 September, a crowd gathered in front of al-Sahaba Mosque in Derna to express their anger against the authorities who let the disaster happen...
Libyan and international actors condemn Tripoli clashes, call for end of hostilities
On 15 August, as the fighting intensified in Tripoli after the commander of the 444 Brigade, Mahmoud Hamza, was arrested by the Special Deterrence...
Paris hosts 5+5 JMC meeting to discuss establishment of joint military force in the South
On 17 - 18 July, France hosted in Paris a meeting of the 5+5 Joint Military Committee, in the presence of senior representatives of UNSMIL and...
Bathily tours Sudan as part of 5+5 JMC peace efforts
On 30 March, UN Special Envoy to Libya Abdoulaye Bathily started an official tour to visit Sudan, Chad and Niger as part of UNSMIL’s mandate to...
5+5 JMC, Eastern and Western security actors meet in Tripoli to discuss securing elections
On 26 March, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) organised a meeting in the Rixos Hotel in Tripoli between commanders of the military and...
5+5 JMC meeting agrees on mechanism for withdrawal of mercenaries
On 7 and 8 February, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) and liaison committees from Libya, Sudan and Niger held a two-day meeting in Cairo...
Bathily meets with Moroccan Foreign Minister and other regional diplomats to discuss Libya
On 31 January, UN Special Envoy to Libya and the head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily, met with the...
Bathily hints at alternative mechanism should the HoR and HSC not finalise basis for elections
On 16 December, UN Special Envoy to Libya and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily, addressed the UN Security Council...
Zenenga attends workshop on State Monopoly on Weapons in Libya
On 28 November, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) reported that the UN Deputy Envoy for Political Affairs in Libya Raisedon Zenenga attended...
Bathily calls out Libyan stakeholders as ‘hindering’ process at UNSC
On 15 November, UN Special Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, addressed the UN Security Council (UNSC). He asserted that ‘there is an increasing...
US Special Envoy Norland meets with GNU and HSC officials during diplomatic visit to Libya
On 10 November, the US Embassy to Libya released a statement detailing the visit of US Special Envoy, Richard Norland, to Libya from 8-10 November...
SRSG Bathily begins work in Tripoli
On 14 October, new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission Libya (UNSMIL),...
15 migrants killed by human traffickers in Sabratha
On 7 October, at least 15 migrants and asylum-seekers were killed in Sabratha. Eleven charred bodies were found inside a docked boat with a further...
New UN Special Envoy to Libya Abdoulaye Bathily assumes his duties
On 28 September, the UN announced that Senegalese political and diplomat, Abdoulaye Bathily, had officially assumed his duties as the new Special...
Bathily appointed as new UN Special Envoy to Libya
On 2 September, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced that the Senegalese politician and diplomat Abdoulaye Bathily had been appointed as...
LNA conducts multi-day siege against Qadhadhfa tribe in Qasr Abu Hadi
Beginning on 22 August, the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) Tariq Bin Ziyad Brigade (TBZ) clashed with members of the Qadhadhfa tribe in Qadr Abu Hadi,...
LNA 5+5 JMC meets with UN officials
On 13 April, the Assistant Secretary-General and Acting Head of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Raisedon Zenenga, met with Libyan...
UN launches and concludes Joint HOR/HCS Committee meeting in Cairo
On 13 April, the Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General (SASG) on Libya, Stephanie Williams, launched consultations of the Joint Committee of...
P3+2 and EU issue joint statement
On 4 March, the governments of France, Germany, Italy, the US and the UK released a joint statement noting the UN Secretary-General’s statement and...
HoR grants confidence to Bashaagha Cabinet
On 1 March, the HoR granted confidence to Bashaagha's slightly amended Cabinet list, dubbed the Government of National Stability (GNS). At the time...
New UN Special Advisor Williams arrives in Tripoli
On 12 December, UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) welcomed the newly-appointed Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Libya, Stephanie...
Haddad and Nadhouri meet in Sirte to discuss unifying the military apparatus
On 11 December, the Government of National Unity (GNU) Chief of Staff, Mohammed Haddad, met with the Acting Commander of the Libyan National Army...
Guterres appoints Williams as Special Advisor
On 6 December, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that he was appointing former acting UN Envoy to Libya and former Deputy Head of the...
Kubis to depart on 10 December amid rumours UK diplomat a likely replacement
On 24 November, UN Special Envoy to Libya, Jan Kubis, addressed the UN Security Council where he confirmed his resignation from his position with...
UN Envoy to Libya resigns ahead of UNSC meetings
On 23 November, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that the Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and UN Special Envoy to Libya, Jan...
5+5 JMC meet in Cairo for talks on the withdrawal of foreign forces
On 30 October, members of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) convened in Cairo to discuss the withdrawal of foreign operatives from southern...
5+5 JMC agree on comprehensive Action Plan for withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters
On 8 October, the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) concluded a three-day meeting in Geneva by signing a comprehensive Action Plan ‘for the...
UN welcomes LNA and Misratan joint unity in Central region
On 26 August UNSMIL issued a statement welcoming the formation of a joint unit composed of LNA and Misratan fighters assigned with protecting the...
UNSC meeting on Libya reiterates need for elections and withdrawal of foreign forces
On 15 July, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a meeting on Libya chaired by French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian and attended...
Archive Guide
How to use our archiveThe Libya Security Monitor (LSM) has an archive covering the most significant security incidents since June 2014. Our updates...
27 April – 4 May: Coastal road remains closed despite pressure from 5+5 JMC
On 29 April, the fourth round of 5+5 JMC talks concluded in Sirte. On 3 May, a high-level Turkish delegation was received in Tripoli by the GNU to discuss strengthening the relations between the two countries.
31 March – 7 April: Haftar hosts meeting for armed forces officers
On 31 March, 120 LNA prisoners who were captured in April 2019, were released from prison in Zawiyya. On 31 March, the GNU Prime Minister held his first meeting in his capacity as interim Minister of Defence with the directors of the Ministry of Defence. On 5 April, Haftar hosted the first meeting of a new forum for ‘armed forces officers’ at the LNA HQ in Rajma. On 5 April, the Vice-President of Libya’s Presidential Council announced the creation of a High National Reconciliation Commission.
24 – 31 March: Kubis in talks with Haftar in Rajma
On 25 March, the Egyptian President met the President of Libya’s Presidential Council, to discuss bilateral relations. On 26 March, the President of Libya’s Presidential Council met the Turkish President. On 27 March, the Head of UNSMIL, Jan Kubis, met the commander of the LNA, Khalifa Haftar.
3 – 10 March: Pro-Assad Syrian mercenaries deployed by Wagner in Libya
On 3 March, Israel’s Environment Protection Minister claimed a ‘Libyan-owned pirate vessel’ committed an “act of environmental terrorism” against Israel. On 4 March, the Head UNSMIL met the Russian Foreign in Moscow to discuss political and economic developments in Libya. On 5 March, reports emerged that the Russian Wagner PMC has transferred a new group of mercenaries from Syria to fight in Libya.
10 – 17 February: Mohammed Menfi embarks on a tour of eastern Libya
On 11 February, the new President of the PC embarked on a tour of eastern Libya. On 13 February, reports circulated about the arrest of Khalid Bu Lugaib, a prominent militia leader. On 13 February, the Misrata Third Force closed the Dafniyya gate. On 15 February, the new Prime Minister designate, confirmed that his cabinet will be ready before the 21-day deadline for forming the government.
03-10 February: Dabaiba elected as new Prime Minister for Libya
On 2 February, the UN published its Panel of Experts report on Sudan including details of the UAE’s involvement with the LNA in Libya. On 4 February, the UNSC instructed the UNSG to deploy international monitors in Libya. On 5 February, the LPDF elected Abdul Hameed Dabaiba as the new Prime Minister for Libya. On 6 February, the 5+5 JMC agreed to clear mines from Sirte ahead of the reopening of the coastal road.
27 January- 02 February: LPDF begins voting to appoint new reformed executive authority
On 27 January, the GNA’s Minister of Defence in the GNA, announced that 1,300 soldiers have received military training with Turkish forces in Libya. On 28 January, The Times reported that a Russian air defence missile system was secretly flown from Zuwwara to a US air base in Germany. On 28 January, the Acting Head of UNSMIL, Stephanie Williams, called on the UNSC to pass a resolution to dissolve all parallel executive entities. On 1 February, the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) opened in Geneva.
20-26 January: LPDF nominations open for new executive authority
On 21 January, UNSMIL announced the start of the nomination period for the submission of candidates for the three-member Presidency Council (PC) and the post of Prime Minister. On 23 January, the 90-day deadline for the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, as agreed in the October 23 ceasefire, passed largely unheeded.
30 December- 5 January: UN proposes international monitoring group for Libya
On 29 December, the GNA Foreign Minister met with his Russian counterpart to discuss political and military developments in Libya. On 30 December, the UNSG wrote to the members of the UNSC requesting the creation of a security monitoring group for Libya. On 2 January, the Acting Head UNSMIL, issued a statement announcing that UNSMIL had formed an Advisory Committee for the LPDF.
23-29 December: Egyptian delegation meets with GNA in Tripoli
On 23 December, the Turkish parliament approved the deployment of troops to Libya for a further 18 months. On 26 December, Turkish Defence Minister and a Turkish Military delegation arrived in Tripoli for meetings with the GNA. On 27 December, an Egyptian delegation arrived in Tripoli for an official visit.
9-15 December: GNA Defence Minister claims that the LNA has violated the ceasefire agreement
On 11 December, the GNA Defence Minister claimed in an interview that the LNA had violated its ceasefire agreement with the GNA. On 12 December, the ‘former’ commander of the TRB, Haithem Tajouri, returned to Libya. On 14 December, 32 members of the LPDF threatened to resign.
25 November – 1 December: US sanctions Kaniyat
On 25 November, the US unilaterally blacklisted the Kaniyat militia. On 24 November, Speaker of the HoR, Saleh, arrived in Moscow to meet with Russian officials. On 23 November, the 5+5 JMC met with the Security Working Group formed through the so-called Berlin process of January 2020 to brief the international community.
25 November – 1 December: Third round of LPDF continues
On 25 November, Acting Head of UNSMIL, Stephanie Williams convened the third round of virtual meetings of the LPDF. From 23 – 28 November, more than 120 deputies from the HoR, HCS, and the boycotting Tripoli-based HoR met in Tangier, Morocco. On 26 November, a European tracking system recorded that military aircraft from Turkey landing at the al-Watiya Air Base.
18 – 24 November: HoR members travel to Tangier
On 23 November, a new virtual round of the UN-led Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) began. On 22 November, representatives from both the Tripoli-based and Tubruq-based House of Representatives (HoR) travelled to Tangier, Morocco. On 18 November, head of the Audit Bureau, Shakshak, referred the head of the GNA al-Serraj to the Public Prosecutor. On 18 November, the GNA’s Volcano of Rage said that Wagner mercenaries and Sudanese Janjaweed forces were still ‘flooding into’ Sirte.
11 – 17 November: LPDF concluded in Tunis
On the evening of 15 November, the UN-facilitated LPDF concluded its discussions in Tunis. On 17 November, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit the Libyan capital of Tripoli and the city of Misrata. On 12 November, GNA Defence Minister al-Namroush met in Doha with Qatari Foreign Minister and Deputy PM Abdurrahman al-Thanni.
11 – 17 November: Female human rights lawyer assassinated in Benghazi
On 10 November, female lawyer and human rights activist Hanan al-Baraasi was shot dead in Benghazi. On 11 November, the GNA’s MFA announced that Libya’s borders with Tunisia would be reopening on 14 November. On 12 November, the participants of the 5+5 JMC dialogues, announced that they would ‘immediately’ reopen the main coastal road. On 14 November, the Libyan Airports Authority held a meeting with Turkey’s al-Bayrak Group to discuss plans for the development of a Misrata International Airport. On 15 November, LNA commander Haftar issued a decree appointing Major General Abdussalam al-Hassi as commander of the Benghazi-based LNA Special Forces.
4 – 10 November: LPDF starts first meetings in Tunis
On 9 November, the UN-facilitated dialogue process known as the LPDF began its first meetings in Tunis. On 3 November, Acting Head of UNSMIL, Williams, said that a meeting of the JMC had led to agreements for implementing the ceasefire that had been announced on 23 October. On 4 November, GNA MoI Bashaagha arrived in Cairo to discuss security cooperation with Egyptian officials. On 5 November, representatives from the HoR and the HCS met in Morocco for a third round of talks. On 6 November, the US Ambassador to Libya, Norland, spoke with GNA Foreign Minister Siyala about the US intention to secure a property in the capital Tripoli.
4 – 10 November: Several passengers from Benghazi arrested at Tripoli’s Mitiga airport
On 4 November, LNA Commander Haftar reportedly launched an operation in Benghazi to expand joint security cooperation. Also, on 4 November, clashes erupted in Tarhouna. On 5 November, the military spokesman of the GNA, Dara, claimed the presence of Russian Wagner mercenaries in Sirte. The same day, it was reported that Turkish troops would remain in Libya for as long as the GNA wishes. On 6 November, several citizens arriving at Tripoli’s Mitiga airport from Benina Airport in Benghazi were arrested on charges of taking part in the 2019 attack on Tripoli.
28 October – 3 November: JMC talks in Ghadames
On 2 November, delegations from the GNA and LNA met in Ghadames to conduct the fifth round of talks within the framework of the 5+5 JMC. On 30 October, a spokesperson for the GNA, al-Zaklai, announced that GNA Prime Minister al-Serraj had taken back his decision to resign.
21 – 27 October: Several countries welcome Libyan ceasefire
Several countries and international organizations welcomed the ceasefire announcement from 23 October. On 25 October, UNSMIL released the names of 75 delegates invited to participate in the LPDF. On 22 October, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov reportedly received his Turkish counterpart, Sedan Onal, in Moscow for a new round of consultations on resolving the Libyan and Syrian crises.
21 – 27 October: Libyan parties agree to ceasefire
On 23 October, delegations from the GNA and LNA signed a ceasefire agreement. On the same day, the first commercial passenger flight from Tripoli landed at Benghazi’s Benina airport. On 20 October, GNA Commander of the Sirte-Jufra Operations Room, Beit al-Mal, called upon the head of the GNA, al-Serraj, to remove Libyan Media Foundation chief Bayou from his office. On 21 October, Sabratha armed forces clashed with the al-Shalfouh militia from Ajalat. On 24 October, spokesperson for the GNA Volcano of Rage Operation, Qananou, urged UNSMIL to send monitoring teams to Sirte, Jufra and Brak al-Shati airbase.
14 –20 October: Williams met Said to prepare for LPDF
On 12 October, Acting Head of UNSMIL, Williams, met with Tunisian President Saied to begin discussing details of the LPDF scheduled to take place in Tunisia. On 14 October, Italian Foreign Minister di Maio met with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. On 15 October, the UN released a statement asserting that the HoR and the HCS had agreed at the end of the 11-13 October talks in Cairo. On 16 October, the GNA said that the Foreign Minister, Siyala, had met with the Turkish Ambassador to Libya, Aksen. On 17 October, it was reported that Williams had been holding a series of meetings with mayors from municipalities across Libya.
14 –20 October: Notorious commander al-Bija detained
On 14 October, Rada reportedly detained the commander of the Zawiyyan Coastguard. On 15 October, GNA and LNA traded accusations of provoking altercations at the Sirte-Jufra frontline. On 16 October, the first flight from Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport arrived at Benghazi’s Benina Airport after more than a year. On 17 October, the LNA sent reinforcements belonging to the 128 Brigade. On 18 October, 12 unidentified bodies were found in mass graves in Tarhouna. On 19 October, military leaders met in Geneva for dialogues within the 5+5 JMC framework.
7 –13 October: Group of EU ambassadors meet with GNA
On 10 October, a group of EU ambassadors met with GNA Prime Minister al-Serraj in Tripoli. The same day, UNSMIL issued a press release stating that the LPDF would be held through a series of online sessions as well as face-to-face meetings. Also on 10 October, Acting Head of UNSMIL Williams said the UN would hold direct, face-to-face talks in Geneva beginning on 19 October between delegations of the 5+5 JMC. On 6 October, the UN adopted a proposal from the UNHRC to postpone investigations into human rights violations in Libya by the UN Fact-finding Mission in Libya.
23 – 29 September: Germany plans to host the second ‘Berlin Conference’
On 27 September, a second round of UN-mediated meetings was set to occur in Bouznika, Morocco, but was delayed. On 5 October, Germany plans to host the second ‘Berlin Conference’. On top of all this, French President Macron signalled that Paris was seeking to hold their own ‘talks on Libya’. On 25 September, an Algerian newspaper reported that several African countries refused to accept the appointment of former Bulgarian politician and UN diplomat Mladenov as the new UN Special Envoy. On 23 September, EU foreign policy chief Borrell announced that the EU was lifting sanctions on head of the HoR, Saleh, and President of the GNC Abu-Sahmain.
23 – 29 September: Mi-24 helicopter crashes at Sawknah
On 28 September, military and police delegations from western and eastern Libya met in Egypt. On 24 September, violent clashes reportedly occurred between GNA-aligned forces in Tajoura. On 23 September, LNA Commander Haftar and Speaker of the HoR Saleh met in Cairo with Egyptian President al-Sisi. On 23 September, a Mi-24 helicopter crashed at Sawknah. On 21 September, renewed protests against corruption occurred in Benghazi.
16 – 22 September: Russia brokers deal to restart oil production
On 17 September, details emerged of a Russian-brokered deal between the PC/GNA Deputy Prime Minister Maiteeq and Khalid Haftar, son of the head of the LNA. Also on 17 September, the UN released a statement welcoming Serraj’s announcement to resign. On 21 September, the EU imposed sanctions on 3 companies and 2 Libyan individuals.
9 – 15 September: PM Serraj allegedly to resign
On 15 September, new reports emerged stating that head of the GNA, al-Serraj, was planning to resign. From 11-13 September, protests occurred throughout eastern Libya. On 13 September, the eastern-based Interim Government submitted its resignation to the Speaker of the Tubruq-based House of Representatives (HoR), Aqeela Saleh. On 11 September, participants in the so-called Libya Dialogue held in Bouznika, Morocco stated that they had agreed upon ‘criteria, transparent mechanisms and objectives’ for the appointments of new individuals to key posts.
2 September – 8 September: HoR and HSC travel to Morocco for discussions
On 6 September, delegations representing the HoR and HCS met under the auspices of UNSMIL and Moroccan Foreign Minister, Bourita, in Morocco. On 7 September, head of the GNA, Serraj was received by Turkish President Erdogan in Istanbul for a closed-door meeting. On 2 September, the acting head of the UNSMIL, Williams, said to the UNSC that foreign supporters in Libya were helping stockpile weapons in breach of an arms embargo. On 1 September, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, Borrel, met with head of the GNA, Serraj and head of the HoR, Saleh to help advance the dialogue process in the country. On 1 September, Italian Foreign Minister di Maio made an unannounced visit to Libya, where he met separately with Serraj and Saleh.
26 August – 1 September: US and UN co-chair Libya meeting
On 27 August, the US and UN co-chaired a meeting regarding the Berlin Process on Libya. On 30 August, the head of the Arab League, Aboul-Gheit, met with Acting Head of UNSMIL, Williams. On 29 August Williams, arrived in Cairo for a three-day visit to engage with various officials on the Libya crisis. On 28 August, Turkey announced that it would undertake military exercises off the northwest coast of Cyprus.
29 July – 4 August: Journalist convicted on vague terrorism charges
On 31 July, a military court in Ajdabiya sentenced Ismail Bouzreeba al-Zway, a local photojournalist, to 15 years in prison on charges related to Islamist ‘terrorism.’
29 July – 4 August: Russia and Turkey claim to be holding a third round of Libya consultations soon
On 30 July, the deputy spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Zaytsev, stated that Russia and Turkey would be holding a third round of consultations in Moscow. On 27 July, Turkish Defence Minister Akar said that continued external military support represents the ‘greatest obstacle to peace’ in Libya. On 30 July, the US House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee agreed to amendments to the ‘Libya Stabilisation Act’ and unanimously approved the bill. On 27 July, US Chargé d’Affaires Harris travelled to Misrata and two days later travelled to Benghazi. On 4 August, the German Hamburg frigate went to support the EU’s Operation Irini to enforce the UN arms embargo.