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.
July 18-25: French Initiative in Libya Political Settlement Breeds Italian Discontent
On 25 July, LNA Commander Haftar and GNA PM agree to a ceasefire and 2018 elections after meeting in France hosted by Emmanuel Macron. Italy is reportedly unsettled by France’s initiative and has expressed fear that Italy will be ousted from its traditional role as the leader of European diplomacy in Libya. on 25 July, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt announced new Libyan entities and individuals were added to their list of Qatar-funded ‘terrorists’.
11-17 July: EU Works With Local Governments to Address Issues in Libya
Various sources report that Libyan general Ali Kanna visited Algerian foreign minister Abdelkader Messahel in Algiers last week. Mayor of Zintan and other western Libyan municipal leaders met with members of EU committee as part of their campaign to partner with local authorities to implement stabilization programmes. Italian MOI met with Zuwaran local officials in Tripoli to discuss possible Italian support and cooperation regarding the migration issue.
Potential U.S. Engagement in Libya
CNN has reported that according to US officials, there is a new diplomatic and military policy for Libya that could be finalized by the Trump administration in the next few weeks. Last week, the Dutch foreign minister Bert Koenders invited representatives of the HoR and the HCS to the Netherlands in an attempt to kick start discussions to amend the LPA.
28 Jun – 4 Jul: French DM Says Libya ‘Failed State’
The French Defence Minister called Libya a ‘failed state’ and warned that the jihadist threat remains. On 30 June, the UNSC extended measures banning illicit export of crude and refined petroleum, and urged member states to support Libya in defeating ISIS and Ansar al-Sharia.
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.