Libyan actors
Tracking developments of Libyan Actors in Libya’s security space including armed group activity, state security operations and political activities pertaining to Libya’s security.
8 April -14 April: Al-Bija acquitted of human trafficking
On 11 April, Abdul Rahman Milad, better known as ‘al-Bija’, was acquitted of involvement in human smuggling and fuel smuggling.
31 March- 7 April: Italian Prime Minister Draghi Arrives in Tripoli
On 30 March, the Chinese Ambassador to Libya stated that China intends to reopen its Embassy in Tripoli. On 31 March, the Russian Foreign Minister stated that Russia will support Libya’s planned elections. On 6 April, Italy’s Prime Minister met the GNU Prime Minister in Tripoli.
31 March – 7 April: Haftar hosts meeting for armed forces officers
On 31 March, 120 LNA prisoners who were captured in April 2019, were released from prison in Zawiyya. On 31 March, the GNU Prime Minister held his first meeting in his capacity as interim Minister of Defence with the directors of the Ministry of Defence. On 5 April, Haftar hosted the first meeting of a new forum for ‘armed forces officers’ at the LNA HQ in Rajma. On 5 April, the Vice-President of Libya’s Presidential Council announced the creation of a High National Reconciliation Commission.
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.
24 – 31 March: Saiqa commander Werfalli killed
On 24 March, a commander in the LNA’s Saiqa Battalion, Mahmoud Werfalli, was killed in Benghazi. On 29 March, Mohammed Salem, a prominent commander in the al-Samoud Brigade, was killed in Karimiyya.
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.
18-24 March: Eastern parallel al-Thanni government hands over power to GNU
On 18 March, sources reported unrest in Abu Salim and the deployment of armoured vehicles and technicals by the SSA. On 18 March the GNU Prime Minister ordered an investigation after a number of bodies were discovered in Benghazi. On 23 March, the eastern parallel government handed over power to the new GNU.
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...