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.
June 21-27: Saudi Arabia’s detains 2 senior commanders in Zawiyya’s al-Farouk brigade
On 25 June, Haftar received a UAE Armed Forces delegation led by Deputy Chief of Staff Major General al-Mazrouei just one month after Egyptian chief of staff visit. Two prominent Zawiyyan militia members detained by authorities in Saudi Arabia on return from pilgrimage.
14 – 20 June: Ghassan Salame appointed as UN Envoy to Libya
On 16 June, the UN Secretary General nominated Lebanese professor and politician Ghassan Salame as UN Special Envoy for Libya, in replacement of outgoing envoy Martin Kobler. Russia invited Thinni to Moscow for talks this week.
6-13 June: Anti-Qatar alliance blacklists Ghariani, Belhaj & Sallabi
The blockade against Qatar continues, with several Libyans blacklisted for ties to Qatar. The UN Expert Panel on Libya’s latest report highlights UAE support to the LNA and the role of foreign mercenaries, while the UNSC extended the arms embargo against Libya.
May 31 – June 6: HoR Follows Egypt, UAE to Cut Off Qatar
On 5 June, the HoR announced it was cutting (non-existent) diplomatic ties with Qatar, in line with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, in light of its support for ‘terrorist’ groups. Foreign ministers from Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt met in Algiers on 5 June to discuss possible solutions to the Libyan political crisis.
24 – 30 May: Egyptian airstrikes hit Derna and Jufra
Egypt conducted airstrikes on Derna and Jufra last week, in coordination with the LNA, supposedly in retaliation for an ISIS massacre of Christians in Egypt. The GNA criticized the strikes as a violation of sovereignty.
17-27 May: Serraj Meets Trump in Riyadh
GNA prime minister Fayez al-Serraj met briefly with US President Donald in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the American Islamic States Summit. China, Russia, France, the UK and the USA condemn violence in Libya following the Brak attack. Kobler warns that summary executions are included under war crimes and may be prosecuted by the ICC.
10 – 16 May: NOC in Dispute with Germany’s Wintershall
The NOC is in dispute with German oil giant Wintershall over the terms of contract of its expired concession agreement
3 – 9 May: Swehli Appoints Dialogue Committee to Meet HoR
Foreign Ministers from UK, Italy and Norway visited Tripoli and Tobruk last week while there may be a second meeting between Serraj and Haftar this week, with the attendance of Swehli and Saleh. On 13 May, Swehli appointed a 13 member dialogue committee to discuss amendments to the LPA.
24 Apr-May 1:Possible political breakthrough between Serraj and Haftar
Photos confirm meeting between GNA PM Fayez al-Serraj and Khalifa Haftar in Abu Dhabi—the first face-to-face meeting in over a year. The outcome of the meeting remains unclear.