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.
Ukrainian intelligence accuses Russia of transferring Libyan mercenaries to fight in Ukraine
On 12 March, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, Brigadier General Kirill Budanov, claimed that Russia was sending mercenaries from Syria and Libya to fight in Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence indicated that Russia has...
UNSMIL urges restraint amid armed group mobilisation in Tripoli
On 10 March, UNSMIL issued a statement saying that it was closely following with concern reports about the mobilization of forces and movement of large convoys of armed groups that have increased tensions in and around Tripoli. The statement stressed importance of...
P3+2 and EU issue joint statement
On 4 March, the governments of France, Germany, Italy, the US and the UK released a joint statement noting the UN Secretary-General’s statement and ‘expressing our concern at recent reports of violence, threats of violence, intimidation, and kidnappings’. The...
UN concern over HoR vote and pushes UN-led HoR-HSC mediation initiative
On 2 March, the UN released a statement attributable to the Secretary-General expressing concern that the House of Representatives’ (HoR) vote of confidence on the cabinet of Fathi Bashaagha ‘fell short of the expected standards of transparency & procedures & included...
LNA conducts military operation south of Kufra
On 27 February, the LNA’s Commander of the Moral Guidance Department, Khaled Mahjoub, reported that clashes broke out between the LNA’s Subul al-Salam Battalion (Ways of Peace) and armed groups south of Kufra during a patrol. Mahjoub reported that the LNA took control...
Wagner operatives withdrawn from Sokna
Over the last fortnight, reports emerged that operatives from the Russian private military contractor (PMC) Wagner Group have withdrawn from their operations rooms in Sokna – in central Libya around 300km south of Sirte - as well as the road linking Dan and Sirte....
Erdogan makes neutral statement about Dabaiba and Bashaagha
On 16 February, Turkish President Recep Erdogan upon returning from Dubai told reporters that: ‘Fathi Bashaagha has announced his candidacy. Our relations with him are good. On the other hand, our relations with Dabaiba are good, too.’ He added, ‘What is important is...
Russia insists HoR decision must be respected
On 14 February, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Maria Zakhaqrova, stated that Moscow hoped a new government led by Fathi Bashaagha would be able to prepare for elections and unite the country. Zakharova added that the decision was that of Libya's...
Gutteres notes HoR decision on new PM
On 11 February, the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General (UNSG), Stéphane Dujarric, released a statement on behalf of the UNSG Antonio Guterres asserting that he noted the HoR consultation with the HSC to adopt the constitutional amendment and the HoR vote to...