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.
27 January- 02 February: ISIS kidnapping reported near Ghudduwah
On 25 January, two brothers were reportedly kidnapped near Ghuddwah in southern Sebha by suspected ISIS militants.
27 January- 02 February: LPDF begins voting to appoint new reformed executive authority
On 27 January, the GNA’s Minister of Defence in the GNA, announced that 1,300 soldiers have received military training with Turkish forces in Libya. On 28 January, The Times reported that a Russian air defence missile system was secretly flown from Zuwwara to a US air base in Germany. On 28 January, the Acting Head of UNSMIL, Stephanie Williams, called on the UNSC to pass a resolution to dissolve all parallel executive entities. On 1 February, the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) opened in Geneva.
27 January- 02 February: Tripoli firefight between Emad Trabelsi forces and Rada
On 28 January, tensions boiled over between Emad Trabelsi’s General Security Force (GSF) and the Special Deterrence Force (Rada). On 26 January, clashes occurred between the 55 Battalion, aligned with the GNA Ministry of Defence, and the 3 Unit, aligned with the GNA Ministry of Interior. On 29 January, reports in local Libyan media claimed that the UN-mediated 5+5 Joint Military Committee (JMC) would hold its second meeting in Sirte on 4 February.
20-26 January: No relevant developments
No relevant developments
20-26 January: LPDF nominations open for new executive authority
On 21 January, UNSMIL announced the start of the nomination period for the submission of candidates for the three-member Presidency Council (PC) and the post of Prime Minister. On 23 January, the 90-day deadline for the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, as agreed in the October 23 ceasefire, passed largely unheeded.
20-26 January: HoR and HCS meet in Egypt and Morocco
On 19-20 January, representatives from the HoR and the HCS met in Egypt and agreed to hold a referendum on a constitutional proposal before the national elections scheduled for 24 December 2021. On 23 January, delegations from the HoR and HCS also met in Morocco, to discuss the implementation of some sort of “power sharing” agreement between Libya’s regions. On 23 January, a senior GNA military delegation met with the Chadian president to discuss organised crime, terrorism, and illegal immigration. On 24 January, the GNA Ministry of Interior deployed forces to Tarhouna following riots and destruction of property.
12-19 January: No relevant developments
No relevant developments.
12-19 January: UNSMIL announces LPDF has agreed on a mechanism for selecting the PC
On 15 January, the UNSC approved Jan Kubis as the new SRSG and Head of UNSMIL to replace Stephanie Williams. On 19 January, UNSMIL announced that the LPDF has agreed on a mechanism for selecting the reformed PC and new executive authority in Libya.
12-19 January : GNA leaders and military officials sign so-called ‘code of honour’ agreement
On 12 January, the GNA’s Defence Minister reportedly sign so-called ‘code of honour’ agreement with the GNA’s Chief of Staff, and the commanders of the GNA’s western, central and Tripoli military zones. This step is meant to quiet otherwise rising intra-Tripolitanian militia tensions. On 18 January, the Head of the GNA appointed the leaders of the ‘Stability Support Apparatus’, a new entity to undertake operations related to national security issues.