HNEC rejects "allegations" of obstructing constitutional referendum
The High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has denied what it described as “allegations” circulating about its lack of commitment to implementing a referendum on the draft constitution, stressing that such claims do not reflect the reality of the legal and constitutional process being followed. The HNEC explained in a statement that the failure to implement the referendum was due to obstacles beyond its control, most notably the refusal;at previous stages; by both the High Council of State and the Government of National Accord to hold the referendum under the existing legal framework, which, according to the HNEC, prevented progress on this national entitlement. The HNEC further clarified that the Tenth Constitutional Amendment issued in March 2022 provided for the formation of a committee to address disputes related to the draft constitution. However, the committee failed to achieve its intended goal of reaching consensus on amending the draft, nor did the HNEC receive the amended version of the draft constitution that would legally allow it to resume referendum procedures. The HNEC emphasized that returning to the constitutional track requires adherence to the Tenth and Twelfth Constitutional Amendments, in addition to the availability of clear political consIt also stressed that its board has never been an obstacle to holding the referendum, reiterating its commitment to implementing any constitutional or electoral process legally referred to it in full compliance with the law and in a manner that safeguards the will of the Libyan people.
Source:Libya Observer
January 04, 2026 20:24 UTC
Abu Salim prison massacre case postponed to 8 February
The Tripoli Court of Appeal, Second Criminal Chamber, decided on Sunday; during its twelfth session, to postpone consideration of the Abu Salim prison massacre case to 8 February 2026, while keeping the defendants in custody pending verdict. The lawyer for the Association of Victims of the Abu Salim Prison Massacre, Mustafa Al-Majdoub, explained that the session saw the attendance of the main defendants, namely the second defendant Abdullah Al-Senussi and the third defendant Mansour Daw, via video, while two other defendants detained in the case were absent. Al-Majdoub said in remarks to Libya Al-Ahrar TV that the session recorded the absence of the defense lawyer for the second defendant, while defense lawyers for several other defendants were present, in addition to a number of families of the victims of the Abu Salim massacre. Last December, the “Association of the Martyrs of the Abu Salim Prison Massacre” called for speeding up the arrest and appearance of all defendants in the case in accordance with the indictment issued by the Public Prosecutor. It also condemned what it described as “any attempts to release Abdullah Al-Senussi, accused of killing 1,269 prisoners.”
Source:Libya Observer
January 04, 2026 20:24 UTC
HoR committee reviews pharmacy and medicines bill
The House of Representatives (HCS) has reviewed a draft law regulating pharmacy and medicines, following detailed discussions by its Health and Environment Committee. According to the House’s official spokesperson, Abdullah Blihiq, the committee has completed its review of the legislation after a series of meetings spanning around eighteen months. The bill, in its final form, will now be referred to the Health Committee before being presented to the House of Representatives for a vote. The meeting was chaired by committee member Asmaa Al-Khouja and attended by other members of the Health and Environment Committee.
Source:Libya Observer
January 04, 2026 16:01 UTC
Prosecutors investigate damage to Ajdabiya heritage sites
Prosecutors in eastern Benghazi have opened an investigation into alleged attacks on archaeological sites in the Ajdabiya area. The Public Order Prosecution said it was reviewing complaints over damage to several sites overseen by the Ajdabiya Antiquities Office. According to the Benghazi Antiquities Authority, a specialist committee has been formed including prosecutors, representatives of the tourist police and antiquities protection units, and a group of archaeologists. The team has carried out on-site inspections alongside the head of the Ajdabiya office. Officials said the aim was to assess the extent of the damage and collect evidence to document the violations, with a view to taking legal action against those responsible.
Source:Libya Observer
January 04, 2026 12:25 UTC
Sam George reacts to US capture of Venezuelan president
The minister’s reaction follows breaking reports on January 3, 2026, that U.S. forces successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a high-stakes raid in the capital, Caracas. The event has sent shockwaves through the diplomatic world, drawing immediate comparisons to previous Western interventions in the Middle East and North Africa. George, an alumnus of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), noted that the military action serves as a live case study for the theories of international law he once researched. "Today's events in Caracas remind me of my dissertation topic at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, focusing on issues of international law," George posted. Sam George’s critique centred on whether the world is witnessing a repetitive cycle of "regime change" strategies that have historically led to long-term instability.
Source:Libya Today
January 04, 2026 05:36 UTC
Head of Instagram: We can no longer trust what we see on social media platforms
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, warned that the world is entering an era of “infinite synthetic content.” It is becoming difficult to distinguish between real and fake content. This is due to rapid advancements in AI and deepfake technologies. Mosseri stated that platforms will redefine authenticity. He added: “Throughout my life, I safely assumed images or videos were accurate records of actual events.” “This is no longer the case today.” “We will need years to adapt to this reality.”According to Mosseri, Instagram and other platforms need to evolve. Verifying authentic content is also required.
Source:Libya Today
January 03, 2026 20:00 UTC
Al-Shaari warns of “the abyss”: comprehensive elections or protests and civil disobedience
Libya – Libyan political analyst Moatasem Al-Shaari stated that unresolved security issues are the main cause of political stagnation in Libya. He emphasized that political disputes will not be resolved until the security situation is addressed first. Al-Shaari explained that addressing the security situation would end a large part of the disputes. He described current political meetings and dialogues as a “storm in a teacup.” These transient meetings will not lead to real solutions. He warned that continued political stagnation and deteriorating economic conditions could lead Libya towards “the abyss.” He anticipates citizens taking to the streets and squares.
Source:Libya Today
January 03, 2026 17:45 UTC
Smuggling of an ancient artifact foiled in Tarhuna
The Tourist Police and Antiquities Protection Department has thwarted an attempt to smuggle an ancient artifact and the arrest of a smuggling network. This operation came after a video was spotted on Facebook offering the artifact for sale. Upon initiating investigative procedures and contacting the suspect, it was determined that he was located within the city of Tarhuna, according to a statement issued by the department. In coordination with the Tarhuna Security Directorate, the department apprehended three individuals, one Libyan and two Egyptians. The detainees were referred to the Public Order Prosecution Office in Tripoli to complete the legal investigations against them.
Source:Libya Observer
January 03, 2026 15:56 UTC
225 foreigners obtained Libyan citizenship by falsifying family records
The Attorney General's Office has announced the seizure of 61 forged family records that enabled 225 foreigners to illegally obtain Libyan citizenship. In a statement, the Prosecution's Office said that investigations revealed the falsification of family records that were transferred from the Civil Registry Office in Ubari to the Civil Registry Offices in Hun and Sukna, in procedures that fall outside the jurisdiction of the Civil Status Authority. The investigation revealed that these procedures enabled 225 foreigners holding Malian citizenship from obtaining Libyan national identification numbers, passports, and benefit from grants allocated to Libyan citizens. Furthermore, some were able to occupy public sector jobs, along with the legal privileges associated with citizenship.
Source:Libya Observer
January 03, 2026 15:56 UTC
Dbeibah orders tough measures against price manipulation
Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah has called for strict action against traders accused of hoarding goods or manipulating prices, saying the government will not tolerate practices that harm citizens or destabilise the market. Speaking at an expanded meeting on Thursday to review price levels and economic conditions, Dbeibah said controlling prices and protecting consumers remain a top priority for his government. He instructed authorities to intensify inspections in markets and to strengthen coordination between the Economy Ministry, the Municipal Guard and other agencies, to track goods from entry points to retail outlets and ensure traders comply with approved pricing. The meeting was attended by senior economic and government officials, including the prime minister’s financial adviser, Economy Minister Mohamed Al-Hweij and the head of the Municipal Guard. Participants discussed the value of letters of credit for importing basic goods and how they affect availability and price stability, as well as challenges in supply chains and distribution, and ways to address them to maintain balance in the local market.
Source:Libya Observer
January 03, 2026 12:06 UTC
Akakus oil output exceeds production target
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) says Akakus Oil Operations has exceeded its daily crude-oil production target, which had been set at 320,000 barrels. Actual output has reached about 796,325 barrels per day, the NOC said. The corporation attributed the rise to technical upgrades and projects aimed at boosting efficiency and maintaining production, despite limited resources and delayed budget releases. Work included linking ten new wells and launching a strategic project to divert surplus output from block I&R to the main separation facility at block NC-186, improving operational capacity while meeting safety standards. The NOC praised the company’s workforce and reaffirmed support for efforts to sustain and increase national production.
Source:Libya Observer
January 03, 2026 11:32 UTC
Libya’s Bold Move: Libyan United Airlines Set to Dominate the Skies in 2026 – Here’s What You Need to Know!
Libya’s Bold Move: Libyan United Airlines Set to Dominate the Skies in 2026 – Here’s What You Need to Know! One of the main objectives of Libyan United Airlines is to provide a reliable, comfortable, and distinctly Libyan travel experience. Aviation Consolidation and Strategic GoalsThe creation of Libyan United Airlines is part of a wider restructuring initiative managed by the Libyan Aviation Holding Company. Uncertainty Around Existing AirlinesIt remains unclear whether Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways will continue to operate under their current names or be fully integrated into Libyan United Airlines. While Libyan United Airlines faces significant challenges, including the EU’s ongoing ban on Libyan airlines, its long-term success will depend on its ability to deliver a high-quality, reliable service.
Source:Libya Today
January 03, 2026 06:23 UTC
Libya Oil Revenues Hit $22 Billion as Production Reaches 10‑Year High in 2025
In 2025, Libya’s crude oil production climbed to 1.4 million barrels per day, its highest level in ten years, according to the Libyan National Oil Corporation. From Survival to StrategyFor years, Libya’s oil sector operated in survival mode — disrupted by political instability, damaged infrastructure, and cautious international partners. Fields in the Sirte Basin and southeastern Libya have reported steady output growth, while joint ventures have reached new peak production levels in both oil and gas. Libya and the Global Energy EquationLibya’s position inside OPEC — without being bound by production quotas — gives it unique leverage at a time when global oil markets remain volatile. Libya, Libya oil, Libya oil revenues, Libya oil production, Libya crude output, Libya energy sector, Libya economy, Libya oil exports, National Oil Corporation, NOC Libya, Libyan oil fields, Sarir oil field, Mabrouk oil field, Ras Lanuf refinery, Libyan refineries, Libya gas production, gas flaring reduction, Libya hydrocarbons, Libya upstream oil, Libya downstream oil, Libya energy recovery, post conflict Libya, Libya provisional government, Libya fiscal recovery, Libya oil investment, Libya exploration bids, Libya oil licensing, OPEC Libya, OPEC oil production, African oil producers, North Africa energy, Mediterranean oil, Libya oil reserves, Libyan budget, Libya GDP, oil driven economy, Libya trade balance, Libya export revenues, Libya state oil company, energy security Africa, Africa oil markets, African energy transition, Libya net zero efforts, gas monetization Africa, oil infrastructure Libya, Libya energy reforms, Libya oil policy, Libya foreign investment, Libya oil capacity, oil output targets, Libya economic stabilization, Libya industrial recovery, Libya global oil markets, crude oil Africa, oil revenues growth, Libya investment climate, Libya energy news, Middle East Africa energy, Libya oil industry, Libya resource management, Libya oil future
Source:Libya Today
January 03, 2026 02:20 UTC
“Tripoli, Bride of the Sea” Carnival of Traditional Industries
The city of Tripoli hosted the “Tripoli, Bride of the Sea” Carnival of Traditional Industries, organized by the Golden Hands Organization for Handicrafts in partnership with the Irma Organization for Charity and Heritage Promotion. The event took place at Dar Krista, located in Al-Sayyida Maryam Square in Tripoli’s Old City, and witnessed a notable turnout of enthusiasts of traditional crafts and Libyan heritage. The carnival featured a charitable bazaar showcasing traditional products and handicrafts that reflected the richness and diversity of Libyan heritage from various regions of the country. A wide range of handmade crafts and heritage products were displayed, expressing Libya’s authentic cultural identity. The event aimed to promote and preserve Libyan heritage, while also supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and encouraging artisans to market their products.
Source:Libya Observer
January 02, 2026 20:37 UTC
Remains of two young men found west of Tazirbu after six months
The head of the Ambulance and Emergency Service in Kufra, Ibrahim Balhassan, announced on Thursday the recovery of the remains of two young Tebu men, Abdullah Togi and Ibrahim Awad, who had been missing for about six months in a desert area west of Tazirbu. The discovery followed the identification of the vehicle they had been traveling in. Balhassan explained that a team from the service, accompanied by a military unit, escorted the families to the site, located approximately 200 kilometers from where the vehicle was found. An initial examination indicated that the two men had died from dehydration. The remains were then transferred to the city of Kufra to complete the necessary legal procedures.
Source:Libya Observer
January 02, 2026 20:09 UTC