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.
South African helicopters smuggled to Benghazi via Russian flights
On 12 October, South African media outlets reported that at least four Gazelle helicopters have been ‘quietly’ exported from Lanseria International Airport in South Africa to Benghazi via Russian IL-76 aircraft. Flight plans listed Amman in Jordan as their destination...
EU-Libya migration meetings scheduled in Warsaw and Brussels
On 11 October, international media outlets reported that a joint delegation of migration officials from Tripoli and Benghazi will be in Europe from October 14 to 16 for a series of technical meetings with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the...
Sudanese watchdog ‘deeply concerned’ over targeting of Sudanese refugees in Libya
On 8 October, the Sudanese Observatory for Human Rights voiced deep concern over the growing hate speech, violence and arbitrary arrests targeting Sudanese refugees in Libya. The observatory said the situation in western Libya, particularly in Tripoli, Misrata,...
Russia accuses GNU of cooperation with Ukrainian militants across the Sahel
On 8 October, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a press conference that there is ‘growing evidence’ alleging security cooperation between Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) and Ukrainian militants, facilitated by British mediation....
Libyan flotilla crew released after detention by Israel
After the crew of Libya’s Omar al-Mukhtar vessel was seized by the Israeli forces when they intercepted a flotilla of vessels trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, there was widespread condemnation across the board from Libyan actors. As of 7 October, the...
Orlando discusses EU support to Libya with Libyan Coast Guard
On 7 October, EU Ambassador Nicola Orlando held an ‘in-depth exchange’ in Tripoli with Admiral Reda Issa, Commander of the Libyan Coast Guard. They reviewed the European Union’s support to Libya’s efforts to save lives at sea and combat human smuggling, as well as...
GNU and Haddad discuss efforts to combat illegal migration with Italian counterparts
On 6 October, the Government of National Unity (GNU) team involved in the Rome Process held a meeting with its Italian counterpart to discuss proposed projects aimed at combating illegal immigration. The same day, the Commander of the Italian Assistance and Support...
GNS discusses voluntary return of Sudanese refugees with Sudan consul
On 3 October, the Government of National Stability (GNS) Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with the Sudanese Consul General in Benghazi to discuss advancing the voluntary return program for Sudanese refugees. The meeting focused on mechanisms to speed up the return...
Italian ministers accused of helping al-Masri escape from ICC
On 26 September, Politico reported that three Italian officials - Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Cabinet Secretary Alfredo Mantovano - are accused by prosecutors of helping a criminal escape justice from the ICC, and of abuse of...