Concrete steps agreed as part of border security coordination between military and security institutions in Libya
Representatives of the military and security institutions in the East and West, including two military and police female officers, responsible for border security, counterterrorism and addressing irregular migration agreed on Wednesday 26 February to form a specialized study center tasked with conducting specialized studies on border security areas.
Members of the Joint Technical Coordination Team (JTCT) for Border Security participated in a two-day coordination meeting, facilitated by UNSMIL in Tunis. The JTCT developed a proposal of a studies center which provides an analysis of the risks around border security, that provides practical solutions which can be applied on the ground, identified the duties and tasks of the centre and its organizational structure.
The studies centre will contribute significantly to strengthening border security and combating terrorism, and addressing irregular immigration, said one of the participants, adding that it would help develop implementable solutions to border security issues and support strengthening Libyan national security.
At the request of the JTCT, UNSMIL facilitated a field visit to one of the Tunisian land border centers near the Libyan-Tunisian border to enhance experience sharing and awareness of regional cross-border security challenges.
"The establishment of the studies center comes as part of the joint coordination mechanism approved by the JTCT for Border Security at Benghazi meeting on 17 and 18 December 2024,' said Ali Kilkal, from UNSMIL's Security Institutions Service.
Kilkal stressed that the next step would be to physically establish the border security joint centers and to start equipping them, to enable coordination, communication and information exchange on border security.
They decided to reconvene in April in southern Libya to discuss the regional coordination mechanism.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Zawya
Libyans in Benghazi relay frustrations about the political and security situation to United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), propose solutions
DSRSG Stephanie Koury concluded on Thursday a three-day visit to Benghazi as part of the UNSMIL's consultations with various stakeholders on the outcomes of the Advisory Committee and the options proposed for the way forward. She conducted a series of meetings including with political parties, youth, women, civil society representatives, people with disabilities, elders and notables from Benghazi, Ajdabiya, Almarj, Shahat, and Albaidha, and finally with the head and members of Benghazi municipal council. In all her engagements, DSRSG Koury briefed interlocutors on the work of the Advisory Committee and the recommendations they have presented to the Mission, which include: Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously with adjustments to contentious issues in the current electoral laws; Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by adopting a permanent constitution, and then by conducting presidential elections; Adopting a permanent constitution before national elections; or Establishing a political dialogue committee, according to article 64 of the Libyan Political Agreement, to temporarily replace all institutions, finalize electoral laws and select a temporary government. They also discussed the preconditions in the Advisory Committee Report, including restructuring of the High National Electoral Commission, securing independent funding and agreeing on an electoral roadmap and one government. Many participants expressed appreciation for the work of the Advisory Committee, and demanded an urgent action to address the current political stalemate and identify a Libyan-owned solution with no further delay. In all meetings, they expressed their frustration with the prolonged political stalemate, insecurity, and economic hardship, demanding an end to the political divisions including the two governments through a peaceful Libyan-owned solution. They also criticized foreign interference, observing that member states interference in Libyan affairs has complicated reaching any solution. While the participants believe that elections will be the starting point for resolving the legitimacy crisis, the majority cited support for the fourth option, reflecting their mistrust in the current leaders. 'The current institutions seek to preserve the status quo,' said one leading figure. These actors don't want a solution.' Some voiced support for first establishing a permanent constitution, then going for elections, emphasizing the importance of stability and ensuring safeguards or limitations on power by elected officials. Interlocutors also emphasized the importance to ensure a meaningful inclusive of civil society, youth and women representation, elders, and people with disabilities and move beyond the familiar figures and institutions to form a united government and stabilize the country. Participants with disabilities also emphasized the need for special measures to ensure their inclusion in the legislative chambers, similar to what is provided to components or women. The participants also discussed the current Libya's security situation, expressing upset at recent clashes in Tripoli, highlighting the need to overcome security obstacles, bring an end to militias and build one professional army and police. They also emphasized the need for solidarity among Libyans and the interconnectedness of the people and regions of Libya. One participant observed, 'while the clashes recently happened in Tripoli, the impacts are felt by Libyans throughout the country'. The representatives of political parties and associations in Benghazi specifically stressed the need for Libyans to agree through dialogue on fundamental elements related to state building and long-lasting stability as well as unifying and building state institutions, including military and security, and agreeing on a path to elections. They emphasized the need for credible national and international guarantees to protect any future political settlement reached by Libyans, stressing the criticality of having oversight mechanisms and clear timeframes and for the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on those who attempt to obstruct or derail the political process. DSRSG Koury listened to their views on the political options and also their concerns. She emphasized the need to come to an end to ongoing transitions, emphasizing it is the time for strengthening state institutions and getting to a permanent constitution and allow the Libyan people to choose their leaders and enjoy the richness of their homeland. She also underlined the Mission's efforts to promote stability in the capital and prevent further outbreak of clashes so as to protect civilians and ensure a conducive environment for any inclusive political process. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Town hall: Zawiyah residents call for political change, share feedback on political process proposals
Zawiyah residents expressed frustration with the deteriorating political and security situation and called for action at a town hall-style meeting Monday, organized by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. More than 150 people attended the meeting, which was hosted by the Mayor of Central Zawiyah, including community members from Zawiyah Center, Zawiyah West, Zawyiah South, Sorman, Sabratha, Al OIjeilat, Al Jemell Almanshaba, Zleten Al Assa, Abu Serra, Nalut, Wazen, Kabo, Yefren Zwara, and Regdaleen municipalities. Participants ranged from youth to elders. The meeting is part of the Mission's efforts to engage the community about the best way to take the country to elections and unify state institutions. Similar town hall-style meetings are planned in cities across the country. Alongside its ongoing meetings with political parties, civil society organizations, security actors, cultural components, and women's and youth groups, UNSMIL will also soon launch an online public poll. 'The recent armed clashes and the subsequent large-scale protests in the western region are testimony to the unsustainability of the status quo,' said Special Representative to the Secretary-General Hanna Tetteh, relating the mission's deep sadness over the loss of lives in the 12 and 13 May clashes, the suffering of the injured and the plight of civilians terrified by gunfire in their neighborhoods. 'It is more urgent now than ever to push to reach a consensual roadmap towards elections and unified institutions.' Noting that each comes with its own set of challenges, SRSG Tetteh briefed the crowd on the four options the Advisory Committee proposed in May to forge a consensual roadmap forward. They include: Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously with adjustments to contentious issues in the current electoral laws; Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by adopting a permanent constitution, and then by conducting presidential elections; Adopting a permanent constitution before national elections; or Establishing a political dialogue committee, according to article 64 of the Libyan Political Agreement, to temporarily replace all institutions, finalize electoral laws and select a temporary government. The Advisory Committee is a 20-member group of Libyan legal, constitutional and political experts that UNSMIL tasked to analyze the issues blocking progress toward a political resolution, including disagreements about the sequencing of events and contentious issues within the electoral laws, SRSG Tetteh said. UNSMIL will consider the community feedback collected on the proposals as it considers how to take the political process forward. Many who commented demanded a new government, emphasizing their desire for a peaceful solution. They call on UNSMIL to listen to the voice of the people Several expressed support for Option 4 and the immediate dissolution of the current political institutions, providing the opportunity for the Libyan people to build their state. Others argued for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, saying it was the most feasible. A few community members also raised the idea of forming a new government to be headed by the head of the Supreme Court, to be in power no more than 120 days, as a way to unite the east and west. During the meeting, residents also lamented a prolonged lack of security, calling, in impassioned speeches, for 'no more widows.' They called to end corruption and nepotism and raised concern about maintaining Libyan sovereignty and the presence of foreign fighters. SRSG Tetteh reiterated the Mission's support for strengthening the fragile truce following the May clashes and advocating against unilateral actions that could derail the political process. 'The era of resorting to violence for political or territorial gain must come to an end,' she said. Thanking the residents for their comments, SRSG Tetteh emphasized the criticality of community engagement in the political process. 'We must build consensus on the way forward, ensuring all perspectives are considered, with mutual agreement,' she said. 'These are your communities, your homes, your brothers and sisters. You must be the ones to direct the way forward.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Middle East Eye
4 days ago
- Middle East Eye
Libya: UN raises alarm over ‘gross violations' after scores of bodies found at militia sites in Tripoli
The UN has demanded an independent probe into evidence of extrajudicial killings by an armed Libyan group following the discovery of dozens of bodies in mass graves across Libya's capital Tripoli. The bodies were found at sites run by the Stabilisation Support Apparatus (SSA), one of the city's most powerful militia groups, once led by Abdel-Ghani al-Kikli who was assassinated in May. Al-Kikli, also known as "Gheniwa," was among Tripoli's most influential militia commanders and faced allegations of extrajudicial killings and serious human rights violations. Before his death, he had come into conflict with other armed groups. His killing triggered armed clashes across the capital, the deadliest since August 2023, when rival factions in Tripoli battled for control, leaving 55 people dead. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters In the wake of the violence, the UN human rights office (OCHR) said 10 badly charred bodies were discovered at the SSA headquarters in the Abu Salim neighbourhood, while 67 more bodies were found 'in refrigerators in various states of decay' in hospitals in Abu Salim and Al Khadra. Exclusive: Greece to lobby Egypt against Haftar endorsing Turkey-Libya maritime deal Read More » Another suspected mass grave has also been reported at the SSA-run Tripoli Zoo. The identities of the victims remain unknown. Volker Turk, the UN's high commissioner said the revelations confirmed the UN's 'worst-held fears' of gross human rights violations perpetrated by the group at these sites, adding that the bodies were found along with "suspected instruments of torture and abuse, and potential evidence of extrajudicial killings'. Turk noted that forensic authorities have not been allowed into the sites and called on the Libyan authorities to seal them to preserve evidence and ensure international access. The recent revelations follow the discovery of two mass graves in Jakharrah and Al-Kufra in February, containing over 100 bodies of refugees, who are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking, forced disappearance and killings in Libya. The SSA has long been suspected by the UN Support Mission in Libya and independent rights experts of being the main perpetrators of violence inside Libya's detention centres. Officially tied to the Presidential Council under the internationally recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), the group is one of the many factions competing for power in Libya's capital.
