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.
24 – 31 March: Kubis in talks with Haftar in Rajma
On 25 March, the Egyptian President met the President of Libya’s Presidential Council, to discuss bilateral relations. On 26 March, the President of Libya’s Presidential Council met the Turkish President. On 27 March, the Head of UNSMIL, Jan Kubis, met the commander of the LNA, Khalifa Haftar.
Menfi in Istanbul for key talks on Turkey relationship
On 26 March, the President of Libya’s Presidential Council Mohammed Menfi and Vice-President Abdullah al-Lafi met the Turkish President Recep Tayeb Erdogan in Istanbul. The meeting was attended by the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. According to a statement...
18-24 March: Western governments discuss reviving Tripoli embassies
On 18 March, the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Russia had discussed reopening of Russia’s Embassy in Tripoli, with Dabaiba. On 21 March, the EU High Representative announced that Operation IRINI will be extended for a further two years. On 22 March, the EU imposed sanctions on the Kaniyat militia leaders. On 22 March, GNU Prime Minister held a call with the US Secretary of State.
Macron declares reopening of French embassy during Menfi’s visit to Paris
On 23 March, the President of Libya’s Presidential Council (PC) Mohammed Menfi, accompanied by PC member Musa al-Koni, met President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. In a joint press conference, Macron declared that France’s embassy in Tripoli will reopen from Monday. Macron...
Blinken and Dabaiba in talks
On 22 March, GNU Prime Minister Abdul Hameed Dabaiba held a call with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. According to the US State Department, they discussed the need to conclude the Libyan crisis through an ‘inclusive political process, providing essential...
EU sanctions Kaniyat militia leaders
On 22 March, the European Union imposed sanctions on Mohammed al-Kani, the former leader of the Kaniyat militia, and his brother Abdul Rahim al-Kani in relation to killings and kidnappings in Tarhouna between 2015 and 2020.
Italy signals intent to be first in line for Europe’s return to Libya
On 21 March, the Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, met GNU Prime Minister, Abdul Hameed Dabaiba, in Tripoli. They discussed bilateral relations, migration, and establishing a joint committee to re-establish trade between their countries. In a statement...
11 – 16 March: GNA claims that Russian and Sudanese fighters have returned to Sirte
On 8 March, the UAE reportedly transferred military equipment and personnel to an Egyptian military base at Sidi Barrani. On 12 March, the GNA stated that Russian and Sudanese mercenaries have returned to Sirte following their brief withdrawal.
3 – 10 March: Pro-Assad Syrian mercenaries deployed by Wagner in Libya
On 3 March, Israel’s Environment Protection Minister claimed a ‘Libyan-owned pirate vessel’ committed an “act of environmental terrorism” against Israel. On 4 March, the Head UNSMIL met the Russian Foreign in Moscow to discuss political and economic developments in Libya. On 5 March, reports emerged that the Russian Wagner PMC has transferred a new group of mercenaries from Syria to fight in Libya.