Structured Dialogue: Crisis Management or the Illusion of a Solution?
Rather than pushing toward a clear political settlement, the mission appears content with managing a fragile balance through repeated dialogue tracks that do not lead to binding decisions or genuine accountability. The greater concern lies in the clear overlap between these governmental maneuvers and the “structured dialogue” process sponsored by the United Nations. Launching a dialogue process that extends for months, followed by the formation of additional committees, would in practice postpone any decisive entitlement and might secure the continuation of the current executive authority until mid-2026. State-building is not achieved by changing faces or prolonging processes, but by ending the duality of power and returning decision-making to the people through a clear and well-defined political process. Without this, Libya will remain hostage to deferred solutions crafted beyond its borders, while what remains of its institutions continues to erode from within.
Source:Libya Observer
December 19, 2025 21:12 UTC
Woman and two daughters killed in Tripoli house collapse
A woman and her two daughters have died after a house collapsed in Tripoli’s Old City, police said. Emergency services and security forces were dispatched to the scene, where legal procedures were carried out. Earlier, ambulance officials reported three people injured in the incident, two of them critically, after part of a residential building collapsed in the historic district.
Source:Libya Observer
December 19, 2025 20:24 UTC
CBL Governor urges executive authorities to take measures to close unlicensed foreign exchange bureaux, prohibit imports outside the banking system
Prohibiting imports and exports except through banking transactionsThe CBL Governor also addressed PM Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba, urging him to direct the Ministry of Economy to issue a decree prohibiting import and exports except through banking transactions. Implementing genuine economic reformsThe Central Bank has also continued to urge all relevant parties to implement genuine economic reforms to improve the economic situation and benefit citizens’ living standards. This includes proposing a package of measures to raise the value of the Libyan dinar, ensure the availability of cash liquidity, and reduce the general price level and inflation rate. Governor Issa’s promises unfulfilledIt will be recalled that CBL Governor Naji Issa had promised in August this year that the LD will strengthen to under LD 7 per dollar on the black-market and that the cash crises will end by 1 October this year. Neither aims have been achieved.
Source:Libya Today
December 19, 2025 18:23 UTC
Ministries of Economy and Planning discuss the draft indicative import budget for 2026
The Tripoli based Libyan government announced today that Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohamed Al-Hwej, and the Acting Minister of Planning, Mohammed Al-Zeidani, held a meeting to discuss the draft import indicative budget for 2026, in the presence of the undersecretaries of the ministries and directors concerned with trade and planning files.The meeting dealt with the mechanisms of regulating imports according to the priorities of the national economy in accordance with the Commercial Law, and aims to achieve price stability and control the demand for foreign currency, while supporting local production and national industries.The Minister of Planning referred to the results of a comprehensive national survey carried out by the Statistics and Census Department, which clarifies the conditions of households and the consumption patterns of basic goods and services, and is considered a reference for formulating public policies and supporting financial and economic planning.The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, Suhail Abu Shiha, stressed the importance of cooperation with the Ministry of Planning to ensure the transparency and efficiency of the import department, and to rely on official data as a basis for formulating economic policies.The meeting concluded by confirming the completion of the project within the specified timetable, in coordination with the concerned authorities and the Central Bank of Libya, to enhance economic and food security.BackgroundIt will be recalled that the meeting comes on the back of several recent meetings by the Economy Ministry, the Prime Minister and the Central Bank of Libya. These come with the background of global prices of a barrel of oil (Brent Crude) falling to US$ 55, negatively affecting the Libyan state’s main revenue, the Libyan dinar on the black-market at one stage last Wednesday falling to LD 8.40 per US$, putting further pressure on rising commodity prices, and the continuing cash crisis at Libyan banks. Minister of Economy and Trade chairs technical meeting to prepare Libya’s trade policy for 2026PM Aldabaiba meets CBL Governor Issa to follow up on financial situation and efforts to ensure provision of cash and improve level of banking servicesCBL issues new licenses to another 91 FX Bureaux – but no announcement of when they may start trading as the LD plunges to 8.17 per dollarCBL Governor Issa vows to end Libya’s liquidity crisis by 1 OctoberCBL to bring FX rate of dinar to less than LD 7 per US$: CBL Governor IssaThere is no political will to implement subsidy reform: Former CBL Board Member and Deputy Finance Minister GhaitLack of control of state spending and the de facto existence of two governments in Libya negatively affects the CBL’s effectiveness: CBL Board MemberThe 6th Banking Sector Development Forum will be held in Tunis from 7 to 8 DecemberCBL Governor Issa announces three strategic initiatives to build a stronger banking sector at 6th Banking Sector Development Forum in Tunis 7 to 9 DecemberWorld Bank to participate in 4th Annual Libya Banking Development Forum4th Banking Sector Development Forum to be held in Tripoli in October 2022 (libyaherald.com)Annual Libyan Banking Sector Development Forum to be held in Tunis (libyaherald.com)Libya’s Banking Sector Development Forum welcomes CBL audit, insists on new meritocratic board of directors (libyaherald.com)SME finance, a new airline, a public transport service and a union of private banks announced at second banking forum (libyaherald.com)Second Libyan banking forum to be held in Benghazi (libyaherald.com)CBL instructs banks, fuel distribution companies and the bakeries’ union to increase the use of e-payments
Source:Libya Today
December 19, 2025 17:12 UTC
Libya: UN envoy briefs Security Council today on political roadmap
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Hannah Tetteh, This afternoon, Tetteh will brief the Security Council on the latest developments in Libya. According to a notice issued by the Mission, the briefing is scheduled for 16:00 PM (Rome time) and will be broadcast live. The bimonthly briefing will provide Tetteh with the opportunity to update the Council not only on the status of the political process, but also on the evolving security situation and humanitarian challenges. In this context, the United Nations is also calling for measures to consolidate stability, especially in Tripoli and the west of the country, through operational agreements and broader security sector reforms. Alongside the political dossier, Guterres' report highlights growing humanitarian pressure, particularly for Sudanese refugees: approximately 412 Sudanese citizens, mostly women and children, are currently in Libya, while the humanitarian response remains severely underfunded.
Source:Libya Today
December 19, 2025 13:52 UTC
Arab Women Organization holds workshop on impact of conflicts
The Executive Council of the Arab Women Organization has launched a regional study workshop titled “The Impact of Wars and Armed Conflicts on Women and Girls in the Arab World.”The workshop was launched during a meeting of the Council held in the capital, Tripoli, chaired by the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs in the Government of National Unity, Houriya Al-Tarmal. Al-Tarmal affirmed that Libya’s hosting of this meeting and workshop reflects the commitment of member states to supporting women’s issues and strengthening joint Arab action to confront the challenges associated with wars and conflicts. She stressed the importance of protecting and empowering women and girls and enhancing their participation across various fields. The minister also emphasized the need to translate the outcomes of the meeting and workshop into practical, implementable programs, and to strengthen coordination among member states and regional and international organizations to ensure a tangible impact on the lives of women and girls in the Arab region. The meeting and workshop are attended by representatives from ten Arab countries—Sudan, Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Palestine, and Morocco; along with more than 250 participants, including 26 foreign figures comprising officials, politicians, and international experts in women’s issues, as well as 30 Libyan politicians and experts.
Source:Libya Observer
December 19, 2025 00:04 UTC
At least 28 killed in airstrike in Libya
The Libyan government, which is backed by the United Nations, says at least 28 people have been killed and dozens more injured in an air strike on a military school in the capital, Tripoli. "An airstrike on a military school in Tripoli has killed 28 cadets and wounded dozens more," said Amin al-Hashemi, a spokesman for the Health Ministry. The Tripoli-based government has blamed the attack on the Libyan National Army, which did not immediately respond to these accusations, Rel writes. Tripoli has been the scene of fierce fighting since April 2019, between internationally-backed government forces and fighters of the Libyan National Army led by General Khalifa Haftar. On January 3, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres again called for a ceasefire in Libya and urged all parties involved in the conflict to return to the negotiating table in an effort to end the conflict in Libya.
Source:Libya Today
December 18, 2025 23:46 UTC
Tripoli hosts Meeting of Arab Ministers of Health Council
The Acting Minister of Health in the Government of National Unity, Mohamed Al-Ghouj, on Thursday inaugurated the 63rd ordinary session of the Arab Ministers of Health Council, hosted by the capital, Tripoli, with the participation of Arab health ministers, representatives of the General Secretariat of the Arab League, and a number of international health organizations and bodies. The meeting was attended by Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar; Iraqi Minister of Health Saleh Al-Hasnawi; Tunisian Minister of Health Mostafa Al-Ferjani; Mauritanian Minister of Health Mohamed Mahmoud; Syrian Minister of Health Musab Al-Ali; Djiboutian Minister of Health Ahmed Abdallah; Sudanese Minister of Health Haitham Ibrahim; Yemeni Minister of Health Qassem Buhaybeh; as well as a delegation from the General Secretariat of the Arab League, in addition to senior health officials and representatives of member states. The Libyan Ministry of Health said on its Facebook page that the meeting’s agenda included a presentation on the state of the health sector in Libya and efforts to develop it, alongside presentations of several successful Arab health experiences. It added that Al-Ghouj will hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the session with health ministers from participating countries to discuss prospects for strengthening health partnerships, expanding areas of joint cooperation, and exchanging expertise on priority issues. The ministry considered the convening of this session in Tripoli an important milestone in enhancing Arab health coordination and integration, exchanging expertise, and supporting joint efforts to address health challenges, contributing to the development of health systems and the achievement of collective Arab health security.
Source:Libya Observer
December 18, 2025 21:18 UTC
Ministry of Local Government, GIZ and Germany’s University of Rostock hold workshop on Circular Economy
The Tripoli based Libyan Ministry of Local Government announced today that, in cooperation with Germany’s GIZ and with the participation of the German University of Rostock, it is holding a workshop entitled the “Circular Economy”. The workshop activities were attended by directors of cleaning services departments in the municipalities of Tarhuna, Misrata, Tripoli Centre, Janzour, Zintan, Abu Salim, Jadu, Tobruk and Shahat, in addition to several employees of the departments of (Environmental Sanitation, Projects, and International Cooperation) at the Ministry. The four-day workshop aims to strengthen the capacity of municipal employees in preparing and developing effective waste management plans.GIZ organises training on circular economy and establishing a municipal sustainable solid waste collection systemPromoting Solid Waste Management in Libya for a Circular Economy: GIZREAoL participates in GIZ organised training on project site demarcation (libyaherald.com)Minister of Local Government discusses joint programmes and strengthening development cooperation with GIZ (libyaherald.com)Germany’s GIZ delivers first batch of solid waste management equipment to 17 municipalities (libyaherald.com)GIZ ”Kick-off workshop” in Tunis to launch solar energy in Libya (libyaherald.com)Twenty-nine women mentors and entrepreneurs complete EU/GIZ programme (libyaherald.com)GIZ signs MoU with eastern Libyan cities on decentralization, economic development and health (libyaherald.com)UNDP pioneers training programmes for skilled workforce and sustainable greener economyJanzour waste collection and composting stations inaugurated – with help of the EU, German Embassy and GIZA city-wide waste recycling project for Benghazi is being conducted (libyaherald.com)Libyan delegation visits recycling fair in Germany (libyaherald.com)PIB discusses recycling projects with Turkish company INTERWO and MUSIAD (libyaherald.com)Libyan delegation tours Europe to learn about recycling and waste management (libyaherald.com)Promoting Solid Waste Management in Libya for a Circular Economy: GIZ (libyaherald.com)Germany’s GIZ delivers first batch of solid waste management equipment to 17 municipalities (libyaherald.com)13,800 truckloads of rubbish and Bu Sleem temporary landfill still not empty – a clear case for recycling (libyaherald.com)fter 8,067 truckloads of rubbish, Bu Sleem temporary landfill still not empty – a clear case for recycling | (libyaherald.com)Shiban tyre recycling factory continues exports – held as champion of local SME projects | (libyaherald.com)
Source:Libya Today
November 26, 2024 11:44 UTC
VIDEO: Libya arrests four Nigerians over drug trafficking, health risks
Libyan authorities have arrested four Nigerians in Sabha and Bani Walid on charges related to drug trafficking and testing positive for infectious diseases. The arrests were disclosed on Monday by Migrant Rescue Watch, an advocacy group, via a post on X (formerly Twitter). In a statement, Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed: “CID in Sabha carried out a raid on a reported location and arrested two Nigerian drug traffickers. In a separate incident, two Nigerians, a male and a female, were detained in Bani Walid during a routine health screening after testing positive for infectious diseases. The Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration in Bani Walid transferred the suspects to Tripoli, Libya’s capital, for further processing and eventual repatriation to Nigeria.
Source:Libya Today
November 26, 2024 10:51 UTC
Italy-Libya: Institutional meeting between Simest and Libyan Foreign Bank in Rome
An institutional meeting was held today in Rome between the top management of Simest, the company of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group that promotes the international growth of Italian companies, and the Libyan Foreign Bank, an institution entirely controlled by the Libyan Central Bank, where the proceeds from the sale of hydrocarbons flow. The main objective is to encourage a significant increase in bilateral investments and support the competitiveness of companies through technology transfer. Today's meeting was attended by Mohammed Addarrat, chairman of the Libyan Foreign Bank. Addarrat, absent during the meeting in Tripoli last October due to commitments in Washington DC. For the Italian side, the president of Simest will be present, Pasquale Salzano.
Source:Libya Today
November 26, 2024 10:01 UTC
Libya: Impunity and Lack of Adequate Reparations for Crimes Against Humanity in Tarhouna Perpetuate Agony
"Four years after the ousting of al-Kaniat from Tarhouna, people are still reeling from the armed group's campaign of terror. Between February 2022 and October 2024, Amnesty International interviewed 74 individuals, including former detainees, victims' relatives and forensic experts. The fate and whereabouts of at least 68 people seized by al-Kaniat remain unknown to date, according to the Tarhouna Victims Association (TVA). Other families told Amnesty International that their efforts to secure compensation were met with bureaucratic obstacles, delays or refusals. In February 2022, Amnesty International visited "Boxat", an agricultural compound that was used as a makeshift detention facility.
Source:Libya Today
November 26, 2024 09:47 UTC
PL speakers uncomfortable in defending Clayton Bartolo
During a heated debate on TVM's Xtra, Labour Party representatives found themselves on the defensive as questions surrounding the ethical conduct of tourism minister Clayton Bartolo dominated the discussion. While PL speakers aimed to shift the focus towards the government’s achievements and broader priorities, the uncomfortable tone in defending Bartolo’s position was evident. PL whip Naomi Cachia emphasised the government’s commitment to progress, highlighting recent milestones such as the 2050 Vision and the latest budget. While never defending Bartolo nor Camilleri, Cachia defended the scrutiny process introduced by the Labour government, noting it represents a significant shift from previous administrations. Twenty days have passed since tourism minister Clayton Bartolo and Gozo minister Clint Camilleri were found to have violated ministerial ethics and abused their positions of power.
Source:Libya Today
November 26, 2024 08:15 UTC
Project Green issues €5 million in tenders for three new parks
In just 16 days, the government’s urban greening agency, Project Green, launched three tenders valued at over €5 million. Għaxaq picnic siteA Project Green spokesperson told MaltaToday that the Għaxaq Picnic Site project aims to rehabilitate and restore the natural area at Taż-Żebbuġ, located on Triq L-Andar. The project, with a budget of €1.4 million, will cover 24,950sq.m and is designed to improve the quality of this green space while preserving its ecological and scientific significance. The government has issued a tender for development works, with a submission deadline of 17 December 2024. The €1.6 million project will include a picnic area, walking track, children’s play area, and an open-air theatre.
Source:Libya Today
November 26, 2024 08:08 UTC
Prime Minister ignores ministers' ethics scandal during budget estimates debate
Prime Minister Robert Abela completely ignored the controversy surrounding two of his ministers when speaking in parliament on the budget estimates on Monday. Abela rebutted the accusations of fraud levelled towards his government earlier by Opposition leader Bernard Grech, calling him “the prime tax evader”. It was the only instance in his speech on the estimates concerning the Office of the Prime Minister that Abela tackled the accusation of fraud. Earlier, Grech kept up the pressure on the Prime Minister over the ethics breach involving ministers Clayton Bartolo and Clint Camilleri, insisting the pair should have been removed from office. He said the size of the tax cut was more than double what the government had promised in its electoral manifesto.
Source:Libya Today
November 26, 2024 06:30 UTC