NOC Chairman meets Canadian Ambassador
The Chairman of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), Masoud Suleiman, met on Tuesday with Canada’s Ambassador to Libya, Allison Stewart, to review the status of Canadian companies operating in Libya’s oil and gas sector and their potential involvement in future development and investment projects. According to Suleiman’s Facebook post, the meeting emphasized the importance of exchanging technical and developmental expertise and supporting the training and qualification of national talent across various fields within the oil and gas sector. He added that the meeting reflects the shared commitment of both sides to make Libya an attractive environment for investment and cooperation.
Source:Libya Observer
January 20, 2026 19:26 UTC
Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviews future cooperation with newly appointed EUBAM Head
The Director of the European Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abu Bakr Al-Tawil, has met with Fredrik Petersen, the newly appointed Head of the EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM). During the meeting, Al-Tawil congratulated Petersen on his appointment and discussed the procedures required for his official accreditation as Head of the Mission, taking into account his prior experience as Deputy Head. Al-Tawil assured Petersen of the department’s full support and commitment to addressing any potential challenges, while wishing him success in his new role. The two sides also exchanged views on future cooperation between the European Affairs Department and EUBAM, aiming to strengthen joint coordination and advance national priorities.
Source:Libya Observer
January 20, 2026 19:26 UTC
Two arrested in gang smuggling migrants to Europe from Al-Khoms beaches
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has ordered the detention of two members of a gang involved in smuggling migrants to Europe and is pursuing the remaining members. According to the Prosecutor’s statement, the gang specialized in building boats to carry out smuggling operations from Celine beaches in Al-Khoms. Earlier, the Prosecutor had detained a foreign national linked to the gang, who organized irregular sea migration, and ordered the arrest of other members after inspections uncovered boats under construction.
Source:Libya Observer
January 20, 2026 19:26 UTC
85 MPs say decision to impose taxes on certain goods hasn't come from the HoR presidency
Eighty-five members of the House of Representatives (HoR) have confirmed that what has been circulated regarding a decision to impose taxes on certain goods is merely a draft proposal submitted for discussion, and has not been officially issued by the HoR Presidency to date. The members accused “unknown parties” of spreading the draft, which was submitted by the head of the HoR's Economy Committee (Badr Al-Nahib), with the aim of distorting the image of the HoR and causing confusion in the country. The statement further emphasized that the correspondence issued by the Parliament’s Economy Committee is neither enforceable nor binding, does not represent a decision issued by the House of Representatives, and carries no legislative or legal effect. It held the Governor of the Central Bank, Naji Issa, fully legally responsible for any action taken on the basis of that correspondence. The letter claimed that the parliament had approved a decision regulating production and consumption taxes, in addition to fees on certain capital goods and foreign currency sales, with implementation set to begin on January 18.
Source:Libya Observer
January 20, 2026 16:35 UTC
Ransom collected by kidnapping Bangladeshi expatriate in Libya ; gang member held in Beanibazar
Beanibazar (Sylhet.) CorrespondentThe Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested a member of a gang operating in Sylhet in connection with a case involving the kidnapping of a Bangladeshi expatriate in Libya and the collection of ransom money. On Tuesday, the Media Officer of RAB-9 Sylhet confirmed that the individual was brought under the law in connection with the case. During his stay abroad, he became acquainted with a person named Abubakkar, and a close relationship developed between them. Following the filing of the case, RAB-9 launched a shadow investigation and intensified intelligence activities to bring the accused under the law.
Source:Libya Today
January 20, 2026 16:15 UTC
Libya, France explore industrial and mining partnerships
The deputy minister for industry and minerals on Tuesday held talks with a French economic delegation on expanding cooperation in the industrial and mining sectors. Mustafa al-Samou, deputy minister for general affairs, production and industrial zones, met representatives from Business France, the French public agency supporting international business on. The discussions focused on investment opportunities, technology and expertise transfer, and potential partnerships aimed at developing Libya’s national industry. Officials said the talks were also intended to strengthen economic ties between Libya and France and to support sustainable growth across key industrial sectors.
Source:Libya Observer
January 20, 2026 15:31 UTC
Storm causes power cuts at dams in eastern Libya
The ministry of water resources under the government appointed by the House of Representatives announced on Tuesday that electricity supplies to several dams in eastern Libya have been cut due to a severe storm accompanied by strong winds sweeping the region. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the ministry said the secondary Wadi Al-Qattara Dam is currently experiencing very strong winds, which led to the outage of a 10.5-kilovolt power line at the start of the road leading to the dam. The head of the ministry’s dams department, Abdullah al-Deifar, said specialist teams were deployed immediately to carry out repairs and that work was under way to restore power as quickly as possible. He said the situation at the dams was being closely monitored, with precautionary and technical measures in place to ensure their safety during what he described as exceptional weather conditions. Meanwhile, the water resources minister, Mohammed Douma, is overseeing the response, the ministry added, with authorities raising alert levels and coordinating with emergency committees to safeguard water infrastructure and nearby communities.
Source:Libya Observer
January 20, 2026 15:10 UTC
World News in Brief: Food insecurity in Lebanon, Libya migrants freed, UNHCR tackles multiple emergencies – despite cuts
Assistance is essentialLooking ahead, the situation is expected to worsen rapidly due to a combination of factors, including reduced food assistance, economic pressures, and rising living costs. “People’s needs remain high, and predictable assistance will be essential to help people meet basic food needs and prevent further deterioration.” said Anne Valand, WFP representative and country director in Lebanon. A total of 221 migrants and refugees were freed, including women and children, among them a one-month-old baby. Throughout 2025, agency teams provided protection and assistance in some of the world’s most volatile settings. Positive response“In 2025, displacement occurred amid protracted conflict, recurrent disasters, and new outbreaks of violence,” said Ayaki Ito, UNHCR’s Director of Emergency and Programme Support.
Source:Libya Today
January 20, 2026 12:34 UTC
UN trains Libyan Red Crescent volunteers on war remnants
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has concluded a workshop to train volunteers from the Libyan Red Crescent Society on the risks of explosive remnants of war. The week-long session focused on identifying dangerous weapons and unexploded ordnance, and on raising awareness among local communities to prevent accidents. Workshop participants said the training improved their readiness to handle explosive hazards and communicate safety messages to civilians, particularly in conflict-affected areas. UNSMIL highlighted a recent incident in Misrata in which a boy was killed and his brother blinded after handling a hand grenade in a residential area, illustrating the ongoing dangers posed by leftover munitions. Since May 2020, 484 casualties from explosions have been recorded in Libya, including 174 deaths and 19 children deaths, according to the UN Mine Action Service.
Source:Libya Observer
January 20, 2026 12:10 UTC
Libya launches $2.7bln Misurata Port expansion project
Libya has launched a $2.7 billion project to expand and develop the Misurata Port in Western Libya in partnership with an international consortium comprising European and Qatari companies, according to a statement by the Misurata Free Zone Authority (MFZ). The consortium is led by Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), aa port operator subsidiary of the Swiss-Italian shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and includes Qatari infrastructure investor Maha Capital Partners (MCP). Image source: Misurata Free Zone AuthorityLibya’s first public-private partnership (PPP) project in the non-oil sector will raise the port’s handling capacity to four million containers per year, transforming it into a major logistics gateway in the Mediterranean and a regional transshipment hub. Established in 2000 as Libya's first and largest free zone, MFZ oversees a 2,576-hectare economic area, with plans to reach 20,000 hectares, and manages the Misurata port, which handles around 60–65 percent of all of Libya's container trade. The development programme, according to an MFZ statement, includes:·Expansion of container-handling capacity to accommodate larger vessels and support complex logistics chains.
Source:Libya Today
January 20, 2026 11:50 UTC
Libya, Russia discuss expanding oil and gas cooperation
Libya and Russia have held talks aimed at strengthening cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Khalifa Rajab Abdul Sadiq, Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, met with the Russian Ambassador to Libya, Aidar Aganin, in Tripoli on Monday. The meeting explored partnership opportunities, technical and investment coordination, and ways to develop Libya’s energy sector. According to a statement from Libya’s Ministry of Oil and Gas, the talks were intended to serve the mutual interests of both countries. These efforts aim to support production stability, improve sector efficiency, and enhance the role of oil and gas in the national economy.
Source:Libya Observer
January 20, 2026 11:26 UTC
Second Annual Forum of Libyan Industrial Union 2026 ‘‘We Meet to Debate’’ to be held on 27 January in Tripoli
The Second Annual Forum of the Libyan Industry Union (LIU) 2026, under the banner ‘‘We Meet to Debate’’, will be held on 27 January in Tajura Industrial Research Centre, Tripoli. The forum will bring together a select group of industrial business leaders, factory and company managers, representatives of banks and insurance companies, and government agencies related to the industrial sector to discuss:– Prospects for industrial financing and the role of insurance in guaranteeing financing. – The most prominent practical challenges facing Libyan factories. – Launch of several new programs and initiatives for 2026. The forum represents a key milestone in strengthening B2B partnerships and opening new channels of cooperation between the industrial sector and the finance and insurance sectors.
Source:Libya Today
January 20, 2026 10:34 UTC
Peacebuilders Empowerment Project
The activities of the Peacebuilders Empowerment Project, targeting women and girls with disabilities, have officially launched. The project is organized by Nabd Libya for Childhood and Youth, with support from the Canadian Embassy, and is being held at the Sheraton Hotel. This initiative aims to enhance the active participation of women and girls with disabilities in peacebuilding and public life, and to reinforce their role as key partners in pathways of social change. The project comes as a continuation of the Leadership Preparation Program for Women with Disabilities previously implemented by Nabd Libya for Childhood and Youth. The project includes five specialized training sessions focusing on developing skills in dialogue, peacebuilding, negotiation, and teamwork, contributing to strengthening the presence of women with disabilities within spheres of influence and decision-making.
Source:Libya Observer
January 19, 2026 19:48 UTC
The House of Representatives’ Verification Committee on the Monetary Crisis Holds a Meeting with the Oil Corporation
Benghazi – The committee formed by House of Representatives Resolution No. Masoud Suleiman Musa, Chairman of the National Oil Corporation (NOC), attended. The committee further discussed ensuring the regular flow of oil revenues. Oil revenues are the primary source of the national economy. The committee will submit practical recommendations to the House of Representatives.
Source:Libya Today
January 19, 2026 19:44 UTC
Al-Baour Meets New Vietnamese Ambassador and Emphasizes Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
Tripoli – The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Government of National Unity, Al-Taher Al-Baour, met with Nguyen Nam Dung, the new accredited Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Libya. Al-Baour congratulated the Vietnamese ambassador on his new appointment. He highlighted Libya’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Nguyen Nam Dung expressed his gratitude. They also agreed to work on strengthening bilateral relations across all sectors.
Source:Libya Today
January 19, 2026 18:36 UTC