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.
14 – 20 April: 444 Brigade shuts down militia HQs in Tripoli
On 12 April, the 444th Combat Brigade announced it had closed 11 militia headquarters in Tripoli. On 14 April, clashes broke out between members of the Kani militia and the LNA’s 166 Brigade. On 16 April, members of Abdul Ghani al-Kikli’s armed group abducted seven members of the Judicial Police.
8 April -1 4 April: Dabaiba reaffirms GNA-era maritime agreement with Turkey
On 12 April, Dabaiba and Erdoğan reaffirmed their commitment to the 2019 maritime agreement between Turkey and the GNA. On the same day Dabaiba met the Turkish Minister of Defence and discussed Turkey’s continued military assistance. On 12 April, the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited Benghazi to hold meetings with Libyan officials
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.