AGP Executive Report

Antiquities Crackdown: Libya’s Tourism Police and Antiquities Protection Authority arrested a gang accused of trying to sell suspected antiquities after online ads led to an investigation, with seized items sent to specialists for verification. Security & Diplomacy: Deputy Defense Minister Abdulsalam Al-Zoubi met French Ambassador Thierry Vallat to expand Libya-France cooperation, while Libya’s army chief of staff Salah al-Din al-Namroush discussed boosting naval capabilities with the ambassador as a French vessel visited Tripoli. US-Libya Military Unification: The US Chargé d’Affaires in Libya, Jeremy Berndt, said Washington will keep supporting efforts to unify Libya’s military institutions after talks in Benghazi. Migration & Humanitarian Response: The Libyan Red Crescent recovered a suspected migrant body off Sabratha and also helped bury 25 unidentified bodies in Zawiya. Border Enforcement: Libyan Customs seized foreign currency hidden in secret compartments inside a vehicle at Ras Jedir from Tunisia, launching legal proceedings against two suspects. Youth & Religion: The Ministry of Youth met academics and religious leaders to advance a National Program for Youth Preachers, including Quran memorization and outreach via social media. Oil Revenues: Libya’s exports reached 43 million barrels in a month, with revenues rising on higher global prices after the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Education Recovery: Students at the University of Benghazi, once devastated by war, are preparing for a new campus opening this autumn.

Libya’s oil lift: A new report says Libya exported about 43 million barrels in May, with revenues rising to $3.4 billion as global crude prices climbed. US-Libya military ties: US Army Civil Affairs personnel are sharing expertise with Libyan officers in monthly exchanges aimed at building unified counterterrorism capabilities. Border control shake-up: Libya’s GNU temporarily suspended visa-on-arrival at airports while it drafts a new visa system to curb fraud and regulate entry. Structured Dialogue momentum: The EU welcomed the UN-facilitated Structured Dialogue’s recommendations, urging Libyan stakeholders to engage ahead of elections and reunification of institutions. Naval cooperation: Libya’s army chief of staff met France’s ambassador in Tripoli to discuss boosting naval readiness and joint training. Benghazi education rebound: Students at the University of Benghazi, battered by years of war, are returning to a new campus set to open this autumn. Electricity crisis spotlight: A new look at Libya’s power shortages points to both fuel supply problems and deeper governance breakdowns. Crime and trafficking: Maltese authorities seized a 113kg cocaine shipment bound for Libya. International court case: A Libya-linked European arms-brokering conviction in the UK targets jets, missiles and grenades sold to warlords.

Human Trafficking in Libya: Eight Kurdish youths were abducted in Tripoli by a trafficking gang, with a survivor alleging beatings, humiliation, and threats of organ removal unless families paid ransoms. Libya–EU Safety: The EU updated its air safety blacklist, banning 154 airlines; Libya is among the countries with carriers flagged over safety oversight. Libya Migration Pressure: A new wave of reporting highlights how Libya remains a key transit point for people trying to reach Europe, as European governments harden deportation and return rules. Libya–Energy & Industry: Libya’s NOC signed a unified operating agreement for an oil field with international partners, while other coverage points to continued investment momentum in the region’s energy and fertilizer supply chains. Libya Diplomacy: Egypt and Greece discussed regional stability and Libya-related developments in calls, underscoring Libya’s ongoing role in Mediterranean security talks.

Libya–Oil & Industry: Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has signed a unified operating agreement for the Murzuq Basin’s (I/R) field, bringing together Akakus Oil Operations, TotalEnergies, Repsol, Equinor and OMV to streamline procedures and boost efficient production. Local Governance: A three-day “Fundamentals of Local Governance” training wrapped up in Tripoli, aiming to strengthen municipal capacity, local revenue tools, and women’s participation under the Musanada 2 program with GIZ support. Electricity Stability: The GNU ordered GECOL to prepare a technical plan to manage peak power demand, including scheduled or partial operations for high-consumption entities to protect grid stability. Aviation Update: Afriqiyah Airways denied any suspension, saying disruptions were due to emergency maintenance and that flights have resumed, with another aircraft expected to enter service soon. Diplomacy: Libya’s Acting Foreign Minister Taher Al-Baour met Greece’s deputy foreign minister to review maritime boundary talks and expand cooperation; meanwhile, Interior Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi discussed security training and crime-fighting cooperation with China’s ambassador. Humanitarian & Rights: Journalists’ federations urged the immediate release of Spanish reporter Alicia Armesto detained in Benghazi with other aid convoy activists bound for Gaza. Regional Security: UNSMIL’s Hanna Tetteh briefed the AU Peace and Security Council on Libya’s political process, reconciliation and follow-up on the Structured Dialogue outcomes.

Libya–Greece Diplomacy: Tripoli and Athens reviewed maritime boundary talks and agreed to keep dialogue going under international law, with energy and economic cooperation on the agenda. Security Cooperation: Libya’s Interior and Defense officials met with China and Italy to expand training, coordination, and capacity-building to curb crime and illegal migration. Border Measures: The GNU temporarily suspended visa-on-arrival at airports and entry points, citing fraud prevention and tighter border controls while a new framework is prepared. Power Stability: The GNU ordered GECOL to draft a technical plan to manage electricity loads during peak demand, including scheduled or partial operations for high-consumption users. Oil & Industry: NOC signed a unified operating agreement for the Murzuq Basin I/R field to streamline procedures and boost efficiency; Libyan Iron and Steel and the Export Development Authority agreed to build a fishing trawler factory. Humanitarian/Detentions: Journalists’ federations urged the release of Spanish reporter Alicia Armesto detained in Benghazi with aid convoy activists. Politics at UNSMIL: Hanna Tetteh briefed the AU Peace and Security Council on Libya’s political roadmap and reconciliation efforts. Sports: Al-Ahli Tripoli won the Libya Cup for a ninth time, beating Al-Ahli Benghazi 1–0.

Detained Gaza-aid volunteers: Libya’s eastern authorities keep 10 of 11 Global Sumud Flotilla activists locked up in Benghazi after their abduction by LAAF; one Tunisian volunteer was released, while the rest continue a life-threatening “dry” hunger strike with families reporting no recent health updates. Migration pressure on Libya routes: Reports say more than 300 migrants bound for the UK were kidnapped in Libya for ransom, with survivors alleging threats of kidney removal; the UN and rights groups warn Libya’s lack of central control fuels trafficking. EU diplomacy on the Flotilla: The European Commission says it’s ready to provide “discreet support” for detained EU citizens, while Italy faces growing calls to secure their release. Regional politics: Morocco told the AU-PSC it backs a political solution in Libya under the Skhirat Agreement, urging unity and inter-Libyan dialogue. Tripoli economy & safety: Tuna markets in Tripoli are booming during peak season, and a crash in Zuwara killed six people, including an entire family. Banking upgrade: Network International and NUB signed a deal to digitize Libya’s banking payments and expand card services.

Migration Crisis: Greek coastguards rescued nearly 550 migrants, including minors, south of Crete and near Gavdos, with many saying they set off from Libya and paid smugglers about $3,000 each. Human Rights & Crime: A BBC investigation says more than 300 Iraqi-Kurdish men kidnapped in Libya were tortured and threatened with forced organ removal unless ransoms were paid. UNSMIL Response: UNSMIL denied claims that UNHCR plans to relocate to its headquarters or run refugee settlement programs in Libya, urging people to stop spreading misleading information. Central Bank Watch: Libya’s Central Bank says a cyberattack hit some systems, but it reports no confirmed impact on customer accounts and says restoration and forensic checks are ongoing. Oil & Capacity Building: NOC signed an MoU with PMI to expand training and project-management standards, and also met Schlumberger on developing marginal fields and training Libyan professionals. Security & Diplomacy: Libya’s Deputy Defense Minister met Italy’s ambassador on security cooperation, and also held talks with a Turkish delegation on bilateral coordination. Regional Violence: Armed clashes in Zawiya left at least three dead and two injured, according to local media.

Migration and Human Rights in Libya: A BBC investigation says more than 300 Iraqi Kurdish migrants bound for the UK were kidnapped in Libya by a militia linked to smuggling networks, held in overcrowded cells, tortured, and threatened with forced kidney removal unless families paid about $5,000 per person; some released hostages provided photo and video material, and at least one captive is reported dead. Libya-Related Diplomacy: Egypt’s foreign minister spoke by phone with a US senior advisor on Sudan, Libya, and regional security, stressing Libya’s unity and a Libyan-led political settlement with elections. EU Maritime Crackdown: The EU launched a renewed campaign under Operation Irini to board and inspect vessels tied to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” including false-flagged or unsafe ships, with Mediterranean enforcement aimed at disrupting illicit activity. Libya in Regional Security Debate: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Europe faces a migration “invasion” as the EU prepares faster deportation rules, citing Libya as a key departure point. Local Governance and Services: Libya’s agriculture minister attended a Zero Waste forum in Istanbul, highlighting food security and efforts to cut post-harvest losses and waste.

Maritime Security & Oil Risks: A cross-border investigation says Russian mercenaries are being used to “escort” tankers in the EU/US-sanctioned shadow fleet, often listed as “security guards,” raising new concerns as Greece and others brace for spill risks after attacks on Russia-linked shipping. Migration Crisis: Another tragedy off Malta: a boat carrying about 60 migrants departed from Libya and capsized, with 10 bodies recovered and dozens rescued; reports also cite at least 11 deaths after rescue attempts. Libya Governance & Politics: The Presidential Council says any real progress must be rooted in Libya’s existing institutions, while Structured Dialogue governance track members reject final recommendations they say don’t reflect their views. Health & Procurement Oversight: An audit report flags LYD 11.8 billion spent on medicines amid monopoly, waste, and procurement chaos, including surpluses of some drugs and shortages of others. Local Administration & Stability: Libya’s Water Resources Ministry warns of thunderstorms and possible valley flooding across western and southern areas. Development & Cooperation: Libya and Turkey continue cooperation talks, including a High Council of State meeting on a stability vision, and Tika says it has delivered 137 projects since 2011, including child cancer care in Sabratha.

Migration Crisis in the Central Mediterranean: A boat carrying about 60 migrants left Libya and capsized about 45 nautical miles east-southeast of Malta. Malta says at least 11 died after people fell overboard during rescue; Italian authorities recovered 10 bodies and said search efforts continued, while a fishing vessel rescued 48. Libya-EU Security Link: The incident again highlights how Libya remains a key departure point for crossings toward Italy and Malta, with EU support to Libya’s border management often cited as part of the effort to curb departures. NOC Capacity Building: Libya’s National Oil Corporation signed a memorandum with the US Project Management Institute to expand training, certifications, and project management standards across Libya’s energy sector. EU Targets Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Operation IRINI has updated rules to allow boarding ships tied to Russia’s shadow fleet in the Mediterranean, aiming to disrupt oil-linked funding for the war. Forced-Labor Tariffs: The US Trade Representative proposed new Section 301 duties of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 economies over forced-labor enforcement failures, with comments due in early July.

Migration Tragedy: Italian coastguard says a migrant boat that left Libya capsized near Malta with about 60 people aboard; 10 bodies were recovered and around 48 survivors rescued, as search continues. UN Political Process: UNSMIL says Libya’s Structured Dialogue concluded, with governance-track recommendations calling for a unified executive authority, unified security institutions, and a transitional roadmap toward elections. Detention and Legal Aid: NIDCOM urged Nigerians detained in Libya to seek lawyers and contact Nigerian diplomatic authorities after reports of families being asked to pay about N1.2 million for bail. Humanitarian Convoy Crisis: Global Sumud Maghreb volunteers detained in eastern Libya remain incommunicado and on hunger strike, with worsening health and limited access to legal or medical help. Energy and Power Stability: Dbeibah ordered an urgent NOC-GECOL meeting after fuel shortages threatened a major generation deficit and possible summer load-shedding. Local Economy: Libyan Industry Union launched a “Made in Libya” e-platform to connect factories and markets, and the House of Representatives discussed a draft law to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.

Migration Tragedy: Italian rescuers recovered 10 bodies after a migrant boat capsized off Malta; about 48 people were rescued alive from a vessel that left Libya with nearly 60 aboard, as search efforts continue. Humanitarian Pressure: Activists from 13 countries started a hunger strike demanding the release of Global Sumud Land Convoy volunteers detained in eastern Libya, alleging “black jails” and limited access to legal support. Politics & Dialogue: UNSMIL’s governance track recommendations call for a unified executive authority, unified military/security institutions, and a transitional roadmap toward elections, while UN envoy Hanna Tetteh briefed foreign ambassadors in Tunis on progress. Energy Stability: Prime Minister Dbeibah ordered an urgent NOC-GECOL meeting after fuel shortages threatened power generation and could worsen summer load-shedding. Education: Preparatory Certificate exams began nationwide, with 211,884 students taking tests inside Libya. Economy & Industry: The Libyan Industry Union launched a “Made in Libya” e-platform to connect factories and markets digitally. Diplomacy: Tunisia’s FM met UN envoy Tetteh to back structured dialogue, and Libya’s FM held talks with Mauritania to expand cooperation.

O&G Investment: Oman’s OQEP signed an MoU with Libya’s Libyan Investment Authority in Tripoli, with Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh present, to set a framework for joint oil and gas exploration and production investment. Migration Row: Libya’s top officials and UN bodies traded warnings after Tripoli protests targeted UNHCR, with UNSMIL saying the UN is not running any migrant resettlement programmes and condemning disinformation and threats against staff. Political Security: Libya’s Internal Security Agency says it uncovered an organised plot behind May’s football-fan violence that damaged the Prime Minister’s Office, naming 221 suspects. Energy Outlook: Kpler expects a boost to Libya’s refining sector in 2027 after NOC took full ownership of Ras Lanuf, potentially reducing fuel imports and improving downstream output. Rebuilding on the Ground: Derna reconstruction continues nearly three years after the 2023 disaster, with new homes, roads, bridges and a hospital—though trauma remains. Youth & Skills: Libya reaffirmed its push to modernise technical and vocational education, and announced LCOY Libya 2026 to shape youth climate policy.

UN and Libya Migration Tensions: The UN condemned attacks and threats against its staff after anti-migrant protests in Tripoli, where demonstrators blocked UNHCR access and spread claims about resettlement; UNSMIL also denied any resettlement program, warning that misinformation and hate speech are fueling incitement. Derna Reconstruction, Trauma Still Lingers: Nearly three years after the 2023 storm that devastated Derna, AFP reports new roads, bridges, homes and a hospital are in place, but residents say grief and mental health needs remain urgent. Local Youth Climate Push: Libya’s Ministry of Youth announced a Local Youth Climate Conference—Libya 2026 Edition—aimed at boosting youth voices on climate policy across east, west and south. Health Supplies: Libya’s National Cancer Authority began distributing specialized cancer medicines to oncology centers and major hospitals in Tripoli, Misrata and Sabratha. Sports Transfer: Al-Ittihad SC signed Nigerian defensive midfielder Onuche Ogbelu on a three-year deal, adding depth ahead of the new season.

Migration & UN Tensions: The UN in Libya strongly condemned violent protests in Tripoli, saying misinformation and disinformation fueled attacks and threats against UNHCR and UNSMIL staff, while UNSMIL reiterated it has no resettlement program in Libya. Sovereignty Pushback: Libya’s High Council of State and the House of Representatives’ Defense committee both rejected any migrant resettlement plans, warning they would threaten sovereignty, security, and Libya’s demographic identity. EU Position: The EU ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando, echoed that the EU does not support resettlement in Libya and stressed Libya’s right to control its borders. Humanitarian Detention: Italy appealed for the release of two Italian pro-Palestinian activists on hunger strike in eastern Libya, warning of a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis. Health & Services: Libya’s National Cancer Authority began distributing specialized cancer medicines to oncology centers nationwide, while GECOL received a new 220/66 kV transformer to stabilize the southern power grid. Culture & Education: The Libyan National Museum’s “I Am Libyan” promo film won three international awards, and the National Examinations Center said preparatory certificate exams are ready to start next Sunday. Energy & Trade: Saipem lifted a new gas recovery module at the Bouri field, and Misurata Free Zone received a China-linked cargo vessel as transit trade grows.

UN Concern Over Libya Protests: The UN says it’s deeply worried about violent demonstrations outside UNHCR and UNSMIL offices in Tripoli, blaming misinformation and disinformation for protests that shut down the UNHCR site and targeted UN premises. Migration Crackdown: In Benghazi, Lt. Gen. Saddam Haftar says he’s personally overseeing a sweeping security campaign against undocumented migrants and smuggling networks, promising deportations while stressing detainees’ rights. Anti-Resettlement Push: Libya’s House of Representatives Defense committee and Tripoli’s Social Council both reject any migrant resettlement plans, warning they threaten Libya’s sovereignty and demographic identity. Security Plot After Match: Libyan authorities say 221 people were arrested over an alleged coordinated plot to attack the Prime Minister’s office after a football match, including claims of organized calls to mobilize crowds. Humanitarian Detention: A US citizen in the Global Sumud Flotilla, detained while trying to reach Gaza, is being urged for release by supporters citing lack of legal basis. Arms Warning: The UN warns that weapons looted from Libya after 2011 are fueling extremist violence in Nigeria and the wider Sahel.