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.
April 18-25 Trump does not see a US role in Libya
In a joint press conference with the Italian PM, Trump said he does not see a role for the US in Libya. Days later, Defence Secretary Mattis said that success in Libya would be difficult if the US focused exclusively on counterterrorism.
12-17 Apr: US Treasury Implements Sanctions on Libyan ISIS Financiers
US Treasury Department’s Office of Public Affairs (OFAC) designated various Libya-based individuals as ‘ISIS financial facilitators,’ and implemented sanctions freezing all of their affiliated property while US persons are prohibited from business engagement with the individuals. The European Union says actors in southern Libya should solve the conflict through negotiation.
5-11 Apr: Haftar visits UAE as Serraj meets with AFRICOM
Khalifa Haftar met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince in the UAE this week and the latter praised the LNA’s efforts to fight terrorism. Fayez al-Serraj met with the head of US AFRICOM and the US ambassador to Libya.
29 Mar – 4 Apr: EU extends sanctions as Arab League backs GNA
The EU has extended sanctions against Saleh, Ghwell and Abu Sahmain for another 6 months as the Arab League Summit reiterated its support for the GNA and the LPA. The French met with Haftar and Saleh in Benghazi last week, while Russia has derailed the appointment of a new UN Libya envoy.
22 – 28 Mar: UNSC P5 Issue Joint Statement Calling For Restraint in Libya
UNSC P5 issued a joint statement calling on all Libyan parties to settle differences through political processes, however the UNSC has still not agreed on a replacement for Kobler as UN Libya envoy.
15 – 21 Mar: International Quartet on Libya Established
The LAS, the AU, the EU and the UN set up a Quartet to coordinate efforts in Libya and reaffirmed their support for the LPA.
8 – 14 March: Reports of Russian forces in Libya, US concerned
Head of US AFRICOM warns that Russia is trying to influence outcome in Libya as Reuters reports that Russian Special Forces are stationed at an Egyptian airbase just across from the Libyan border
West Calls for Ceasefire, Egypt Doesn’t Mention BDB Advance
Egypt issued a statement calling for Libyan parties to continue with political negotiations, but did not mention the BDB advances against the LNA. The UN, UK, US and France have condemned the escalation of violence.
Feb 22 – 28: Regionally-Brokered Libya Political Agreement Stalls
Last week, the HoR President Ageelah Saleh gave the HoR an ultimatum to appoint a new representative committee for the negotiations. However, a delegation has yet been appointed.