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.
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....
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,...
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...
Libyan coast guard uses live ammunition against international SAR vessel
On 26 September in the very early hours, the Search and Rescue (SAR) NGO Sea Watch said that the Libyan coast guard had fired live ammunition at its rescue ship the Sea-Watch 5 after it had rescued 66 people in distress at sea. It noted that this is the second time in...
Libyan maritime officials complete training under Operation IRINI
On 26 September, 30 Libyan maritime officials from Tripoli and Benghazi completed the first training delivered by EUNAVFOR Med’s Operation IRINI in Italy. Operation IRINI will continue enhancing Libya’s capacities in the months ahead offering an intensive training...