Recent protests with varying social and political demands have dealt a blow to Libya’s lifeline oil sector by halting production at one of the country’s largest fields and threatening to shut down key refineries and export terminals. The major disruptions and threats of further escalation are highlighting deep-rooted political divisions and raising concerns of a return to instability. They also undermine Libya’s ambitious 2mn b/d five-year target, with the country already struggling to maintain its current 1.2mn b/d capacity due to aging infrastructure, stalled development deals, and political divisions. (CONTINUED - 1466 WORDS)

SpaceX has made a move in the Asian broadband market as it looks to bring Starlink services and hardware to people across the world. It will partner with Malaysian satellite operator Measat in a deal that will see Measat sell Starlink hardware and services in markets that Measat serves. Measat will be an official authorized reseller of Starlink services and hardware, and the company believes this partnership will solidify its position as a one-stop provider for customers. Starlink will be able to benefit from Measat’s market presence and on-ground customer service and technical support, including a 24×7 help desk operated by in-country personnel and onsite support and maintenance. Measat’s customers benefit from end-to-end inclusive packages for last mile logistics and installation services, as well as repair and maintenance, and this will now extend to Starlink products offered by Measat.

People's rights are threatened everywhere, from wars to silence about abuses, rights group saysA leading human rights group says people's rights are being suppressed and threatened everywhere in the world, from wars to selective outrage about some abuses and silence about others

Just days after similar protests shut down the country’s largest oilfield, Sharara, new protests against corruption and distribution of oil wealth have erupted again in Libya, threatening to shut down two oil and gas facilities within 72 hours. There is scant reporting in Libya about the incident, with Energy Intelligence the first to report the incident, followed by Reuters on Thursday. Protester demands also include restrictions on Bengdara in the meantime to prevent him from concluding any further oil deals for the country, more job opportunities for youth near oil facilities, and stricter environmental controls. There is currently a legal case pending challenging the validity of the appointment of Bengdara as chairman of the NOC. In a Monday hearing, the Tripoli Court of Appeal said it would issue an urgent ruling on the matter on January 22, according to Libyan media reports.

Israeli satellite tech firm Gilat Satellite Networks debuted a new logo and brand identity on Thursday, which the company says emphasizes its commitment to the new space revolution. “In today’s space revolution, adapting to the changing needs and expectations of our partners is of paramount importance,” said Hagay Katz, chief product and marketing officer at Gilat. It includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services. Its customers include satellite operators like SES, Intelsat, and Eutelsat; system integrators like Boeing and Airbus; and mobile network operators like T-Mobile, Telefonica, and Orange. Gilat has not released its full-year financial results for 2023, but its recent results forecast 2023 revenue between $265 million to $275 million.

Italian space logistics company D-Orbit raised $100 million euros ($110 million) in a Series C funding round announced Thursday. Japanese industrial conglomerate Marubeni Corporation led the round, solidifying a commercial collaboration between the companies on space logistics. D-Orbit has launched 13 ION orbital transfer missions, and its customers include Spire Global, AAC Clyde Space, and Alba Orbital. It propels us forward with unprecedented momentum, empowering us to expedite our vision and solidifying our commitment to revolutionize the space logistics industry,” commented D-Orbit CEO Luca Rossettini. Existing investors CDP Venture Capital Sgr, Seraphim Space Investment Trust, United Ventures, Indaco Venture Partners, Neva SGR Spa, and Primo Ventures participated as well.

Kuwaitis preparing for the friendly encounter. CAIRO, Jan 11: The Kuwaiti national soccer team is set to face the Libyan national team in a friendly match at Cairo International Stadium today at 6:00 pm as part of its training camp in Egypt. Kuwait conducted two training sessions in Cairo in preparation for the match against the Libya. In another development, the Libyan Al-Jamahir newspaper disclosed that “Kuwait covered the expenses of the Libyan national team in Egypt, causing discontent among many.”Meanwhile, Emilio Peixe, the Portuguese coach of the Kuwaiti Olympic team, has called up five players during the team’s training camp in Thailand. The summoned players include Saleh Al-Mahtab, Omar Al-Salim, Jarrah Al-Hilali (Kazima), Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi (Salmiya), and Talal Al-Hajraf (Jahra).

By Shivani Chauhan •Group Advocates 14th Amendment to Disqualify Trump from 2024 BallotLiberal advocacy group, Free Speech For People, has initiated legal actions to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the presidential ballot in the upcoming 2024 elections. The group has filed motions in Illinois and Massachusetts, advocating for the application of an often overlooked clause from the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Termed as the 'Disqualification Clause,' this provision could potentially bar Trump and others involved in the infamous January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection from holding public office in the future.Interpreting the 14th AmendmentThe clause under scrutiny states that any person who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or given aid or comfort to its enemies, should be prohibited from holding public office. The group argues that the individuals involved in the Capitol riot fall under this category and hence, are constitutionally disqualified fro...

Click to expand Image People search for flood victims in Derna, Libya, September 15, 2023. “The authorities should amend their procedures and laws to allow Libyans to enjoy their freedom of association.”In the 740-page World Report 2024, its 34th edition, Human Rights Watch reviews human rights practices in more than 100 countries. But she says there were also signs of hope, showing the possibility of a different path, and calls on governments to consistently uphold their human rights obligations. An estimated 4,300 people were killed, 8,000 were reported missing, and at least 43,000 displaced, according to the United Nations. Libyan groups have called for an independent international investigation into the country’s disaster management and the state of degraded infrastructure.

The group called the Corruption Eradication Movement said in a video statement online that its deadline would end on Friday and it would "stop the pumping of gas from the Mellitah complex," a joint venture between Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) and Italy's Eni.

Libya’s new National Dialogue is a chance for European leaders to make things rightLibya is again at a crossroads. The other, more rational path is to support the new Libyan-led National Dialogue recently launched by Prince Mohammed El Senussi, the legitimate heir to the Senussi Crown of Libya, to break the deadlock. Rising above narrow interests to reunite our divided country, this new National Dialogue is gathering pace and capturing hearts and minds across all factions of our country. Just weeks ago, on the occasion of Libyan Independence Day, Crown Prince El Senussi delivered his annual address. Libya’s new National Dialogue should be seen as an opportunity for European leaders to finally have a positive impact on our country.

FILE PHOTO: A view of the Mellitah Oil and Gas complex, west of TripoliTRIPOLI (Reuters) - Protesters have threatened to shut down two oil and gas facilities near the Libyan capital Tripoli, with one group that is campaigning against corruption issuing a 72-hour ultimatum that ends on Friday. Any halt would disrupt the supply of gas through the Greenstream pipeline between Libya and Italy. The protesters demanded the removal of NOC Chairman Farhat Bengdara over what they called “violations amounting to the level of crime". They also demanded Bengdara be prevented from concluding any oil and gas agreements. Other demands included job opportunities for young people in areas near the oil facilities and preventing environmental pollution.

Benghazi – Major General Saddam Khalifa, Commander of the Libyan National Army’s Ground Forces, met with Libyan National Security Adviser Ibrahim Bushnaf in Benghazi. The meeting focused on discussing the current security and military situation in the country as well as related developments at the regional and international levels. Talks covered the latest events impacting Libya’s stability, including political divisions, militant activity, foreign interference, and other threats. The two officials conferred on strategies and operations to counter these challenges and strengthen national sovereignty.

The commander of the Libyan National Army Air Force, Air Marshal Mohammed Manfour Ali, met with the commanders of air bases and airports to discuss difficulties facing operations and ways to overcome them, as well as plans to address these challenges. The meeting enabled the Air Force leadership to review current problems impacting mission readiness and daily activities at installations across the country. Discussions focused on developing solutions to equipment, infrastructure, personnel, and other issues in order to improve the performance and capabilities of the air force. Attendees also talked over upcoming initiatives to modernize facilities, upgrade technology, enhance training, and boost cooperation with allies. The commanders are working to build an air force that can secure Libyan airspace and support national security requirements.

A lack of rain, dry land and a hotter climate are causing stress on fresh water sources across the Mediterranean region. But what if we were to dig down deep into the earth to extract fresh water that has been preserved for millions of years? This fossil water, as it is called in common parlance, has now been discovered in vast quantities deep below the Hyblean Mountains in south east Sicily. “Deep groundwater resources around the world may represent an important unconventional source of potable water that can support growing needs, also linked to global population growth,” Lorenzo Lipparini, the lead researcher, said. Funding for this research was provided through a Marie Curie Grant project with the University of Malta, the support of the Roma Tre University and INGV.