International actors
Tracking developments of international actors in Libya’s security space including military activity, the presence of foreign operatives and diplomacy pertaining to Libya’s security.
20 March – 26 March: US State Department warned of an imminent attack in Tripoli
On 22 March, the US State Department warned of an imminent attack on a vital national institution in Tripoli on 23 March. On 25 March, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) reviewed its flight ban over Libyan airspace and is set to allow US carriers to fly over the country above 30,000 feet. On 20 March, UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame announced the details of the long-delayed National Conference.
13 March – 19 March: UN announces National Conference will take place in Ghadames on 14-16 April
On 20 March, the UN envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, announced that the UN National Conference will take place in Ghadames on 14-16 April. On 13 March, several ambassadors met with GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj and members of the HCS. On 18 March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian visited Tripoli. On 19 March, US ambassador to Libya Peter Bodde and US AFRICOM commander Thomas Waldhauser flew into Tripoli to meet with Serraj. On 16 March, Deputy UN Envoy Stephanie Williams made a visit to the electoral district of Aziziyya, south-west of Tripoli.
6 March – 12 March: US company awarded contract to secure Libyan airports
On 7 March, US company Culmen International was awarded a contract to provide security to Mitiga, Tripoli International and Misrata airports. On 8 March, the German-Libya Economic Forum took place in Tunis. On 10 March, the head of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez al-Serraj, met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani.
27 February – 5 March: UN leads meeting between Serraj and Haftar in Abu Dhabi to end transitional phase of government
On 27 February, Khalifa Haftar and Fayez al-Serraj met in Abu Dhabi under the auspice of the UN envoy to Libya where both parties agreed to end the transitional phase of government. The dialogue was openly supported by the international community and received a mixed response in Libya.
20 February – 26 February: Libya signs agreement on Joint Operation Centre for securing common border
On 22 February, ministers from Libya, Niger, Sudan and Chad signed the executive regulations of a new Joint Operations Centre for securing Libya’s common border with Niger, Chad and Sudan. On 24 February, the head of the GNA, Fayez al-Serraj, travelled to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt for joint European Union- African Union summit.
13 February – 19 February: US express concerns over events in southern Libya
On 14 February, the US State Department released a statement outlining its concern over events in southern Libya. On 16 February, it was reported that the GNA’s Minister of Interior, Fathi Bashaagha, had met with FBI senior officials in Washington. On 18 February, UN envoy Ghassan Salame arrived in Benghazi to meet with LNA commander Khalifa Haftar.
6 February – 12 February: US accused Russia of attempting to increase presence in Libya
On 9 February, US AFRICOM accused Russia of attempting to increase its presence in Libya. On 9 February, the UN Envoy to Libya held several side meetings on Libya at the African Union Summit in Ethiopia. On 11 February, House of Representative members met with the UK Ambassador to Libya in Tobruk.
30 January – 5 February: French fighter jets launch airstrike on Libyan convoy
On 3 February, French fighter jets had launched airstrikes on armed groups that entered northern Chad from Libya. On 2 February, UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame announced the start of a tour of meetings with key Libyan political figures. On 2 February, European Union representative, Federica Mogherini, stated that there was consensus on Operation Sophia. On 30 January, the GNA’s Minister of Interior met with US Charge d’Affaires to Libya.
23 January – 29 January: France plan to reopen embassy in Libya this year
On 26 January, France announced it is planning to reopen its embassy in Libya this year. On 25 January, Russia’s Foreign Minister suggested that election deadlines for Libya were not constructive. On 24 January, Libya, Niger, Chad and Sudan agreed to have a ministerial meeting on border control. On 22 January, the GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj met with the US Ambassador to Libya.