Results for: Libya

A Canadian investigation has uncovered a scheme where China allegedly attempted to deliver $1 billion worth of drones to a Libyan warlord under the guise of COVID-19 aid, potentially violating UN sanctions. The investigation has led to charges against two Libyan nationals who allegedly facilitated the deal through their positions at a UN agency. The alleged scheme, which involved coordinating with Chinese officials and a US citizen, highlights a potential effort to bypass international sanctions and support a powerful figure in Libya.

Libya’s chief prosecutor has ordered the detention of a militia leader and his aide following the killing of Abdel-Rahman Milad, a notorious human trafficker. The detained militia leader, Mohamed Bahroun, and his associate are suspected of involvement in Milad’s death. Milad, known for his role in smuggling migrants across the Mediterranean, was sanctioned by the United Nations and had been imprisoned in Libya.

A year after devastating floods in eastern Libya, reconstruction efforts are underway, but experts warn that the process is being used by Khalifa Haftar, a powerful military figure, to consolidate his power. Despite the tragedy’s scale and the need for accountability, Haftar’s family controls the reconstruction fund, raising concerns about transparency and corruption. While Haftar’s son Belgacem leads the rebuilding, the true aim may be to secure political dominance in the east.

Libya played its first international match in Tripoli in over a decade, drawing 1-1 with Rwanda in the opening round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The match marked the return of international football to the refurbished stadium in Tripoli, which had been closed for nearly a decade due to civil unrest. Other opening day matches saw Sudan defeat Niger, while Gambia and Comoros drew, and Tanzania and Ethiopia played out a goalless draw.

Libya’s eastern-based administration has shut down oil fields and suspended production, citing repeated attacks on the Central Bank in Tripoli. The move comes amid escalating tensions between the eastern administration and the UN-recognised government in Tripoli, further complicating the country’s already fragile situation.

South African authorities have shut down a training camp near White River where 95 Libyans were detained in July. The camp, run by Milites Dei Academy, was found to be operating illegally, providing military-style training to individuals from a country in conflict, violating South Africa’s Foreign Military Assistance Act. The company’s license has been suspended, and criminal charges are being prepared against the owners.

India has partially modified its 2016 travel ban on Libya, advising its nationals to avoid non-essential travel due to security concerns. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged Indians already in Libya to exercise caution, avoid inter-province travel by road, and stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Tripoli.

South African police have apprehended 95 Libyan nationals suspected of undergoing military training at a covert camp in the Mpumalanga province. The camp, disguised as a farm, was raided by police who discovered evidence of military training despite the Libyans claiming to be students on study visas.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, singer and wife of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, has been summoned for a possible indictment in an investigation into alleged Libyan financing of Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign. She is suspected of witness tampering and bribery attempts related to a key witness who retracted incriminating statements against Sarkozy.

Former members of Ireland’s elite Army Ranger Wing (ARW) have resumed military training operations in Libya, despite international sanctions and warnings from the Irish Government. Irish Training Solutions (ITS), a company founded by ex-special forces personnel, is training troops of Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar under a contract worth over €10 million. The activity has been condemned by the Irish government, and an investigation is underway to determine if criminal offenses have been committed. ITS personnel are contracted to train several hundred special forces troops for Haftar’s 166 Infantry Brigade, and training has resumed after a break for Ramadan.