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.
20 – 27 April: US Ambassador Norland speculates on Wagner role in Chad conflict
On 24 April, the US Ambassador to Libya gave an interview stating that he believed members FACT had been trained by Wagner in Libya. On 26 April, Amnesty International reported that military courts in eastern Libya have convicted hundreds of civilians in unfair military trials’. Last week, the “Libya Stabilization Act” passed the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC).
20 – 27 April: Dabaiba visit to Benghazi cancelled after delegation prevented from landing
On 21 April, Libya’s PC ordered all military units in southern Libya to report for duty and be on emergency alert. On 25 April, the advance security for the GNU’s delegation to Benghazi was prevented from landing at Benina airport.
14 – 20 April: UNSC welcomes ‘interim’ GNU and PC
On 11 April, FACT, the Libya-based Chadian rebel group, launched an attack in northern Chad. On 15-16 April, the GNU Prime Minister held talks in Moscow. On 16 April, the UNSC adopted resolution 2570.
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.