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Libyan Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
AU pushes for lasting truce after Tripoli clashes
BY Libyan Express May 24, 2025 - 23:45 AU demands truce after eight killed in Tripoli Libya has witnessed fresh armed clashes in its capital, Tripoli, this month, resulting in casualties and prompting the African Union to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities between competing factions. The confrontations involved the 444 Brigade and RADA Special Deterrence Forces, leading to eight confirmed fatalities. While active combat has decreased, Libya's Defence Ministry indicates that ceasefire discussions are continuing as authorities work to stabilise the situation. The African Union's Peace and Security Council (AU) issued a statement on Saturday condemning the violence and calling for an 'unconditional and permanent ceasefire' between all parties involved. The organisation reiterated its position supporting Libyan-led political solutions while discouraging foreign intervention in the country's internal affairs. The recent violence has coincided with public demonstrations in which citizens have called for the resignation of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
Amnesty demands release from Sudan's Tripoli embassy
BY Libyan Express May 24, 2025 - 23:14 Updated: May 24, 2025 - 23:14 Mohamed Adam, known by the nickname 'Tupac' International human rights monitors have raised questions about the whereabouts of a Sudanese national following reports of his detention in Libya's capital. Amnesty International's East and Southern Africa director, Tigere Chagutah, said the organisation had received reports that Mohamed Adam, known by the nickname 'Tupac', was detained by personnel connected to Sudan's diplomatic mission in Tripoli on 19th May. Adam, described as a human rights advocate who had been seeking asylum, has not been seen publicly since the reported incident, according to the rights group. Chagutah has requested that Libya's Government of National Unity provide Adam's family and legal counsel with information regarding his current status and location. The official also called for Adam to be granted access to United Nations refugee agency services. 'We are asking the Libyan authorities to clarify Mohamed Adam's situation and ensure he receives appropriate protection under international law,' Chagutah stated. The Amnesty representative expressed concern about potential plans to transfer Adam to Sudan, noting that such a move could place him at risk of what the organisation characterises as serious human rights violations, including possible detention and mistreatment. Sudanese authorities have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the case. The incident has drawn attention to broader questions surrounding the treatment of asylum seekers and political activists in the region, particularly those who have left their home countries citing safety concerns. Libya has served as a transit point for numerous individuals seeking international protection, though the country's ongoing political instability has complicated refugee protection efforts. The case remains under monitoring by international human rights organisations pending further developments. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
Al-Menfi commends peaceful Tripoli demonstrations
BY Libyan Express May 24, 2025 - 03:45 Al-Menfi endorses citizens' right to peaceful demonstration The Chairman of Libya's Presidential Council, Mohamed al-Menfi, has praised recent peaceful demonstrations in Tripoli, describing them as evidence of a 'civilised national scene' that demonstrates Libyans' commitment to democratic expression. In a statement, al-Menfi said he was proud of the manner in which citizens in the capital exercised their right to peaceful assembly, noting the responsible way demonstrators expressed their aspirations. He characterised the protests as marking a return to peaceful political expression following years of national instability. The Presidential Council Chairman also praised Libya's security institutions for their role in safeguarding citizens' right to peaceful protest. He stated that the council has consistently focused on hearing public opinion through various means in order to achieve positive change. Al-Menfi extended his appeal beyond Tripoli, encouraging Libyans in cities across the country to continue peaceful and respectful demonstrations. He described such civic engagement as vital to building a modern state that reflects the hopes of all citizens. The statement comes as Libya continues efforts towards political stabilisation and national unity after years of conflict and division. The Presidential Council's support for peaceful protest appears to reflect attempts to establish democratic norms within the country's institutions. The remarks suggest the government views the demonstrations as a constructive element in Libya's democratic transition rather than as opposition to state authority. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
UN seeks Libya consensus in Misurata visit
BY Libyan Express May 23, 2025 - 15:54 Updated: May 23, 2025 - 15:55 UN reviews Libya options in Misurata UN Special Representative Hanna Tetteh and her Deputy for Political Affairs Stephanie Koury travelled to Misurata on Thursday as part of ongoing consultations regarding recommendations from the UN Advisory Committee on Libya's political future. The delegation met with Mayor Mahmoud Al-Suqatri, municipal council members, civil society representatives, youth leaders, and Major General Mohammed Musa, Commander of the Central Military Zone. During the discussions, participants reviewed the Advisory Committee's proposed options for advancing Libya's political process. Local leaders stressed the importance of incorporating lessons from previous failed agreements and establishing robust safeguards to ensure the implementation of any future political deal, backed by Security Council support. Meeting participants expressed deep concern about Libya's deteriorating security and political situation, citing recent armed clashes in the capital Tripoli, the ongoing fragmentation of state institutions, widespread corruption, weapons proliferation, and the indefinite postponement of national elections as evidence of the country's continued instability. In a separate session, youth representatives discussed barriers preventing their meaningful participation in local and national decision-making processes, particularly in the political arena. Tetteh reaffirmed the UN Mission's dedication to consulting with Libyans on developing a roadmap towards national elections and establishing a unified government. She emphasised that Libyan voices must remain central to building 'a strong, unified, and sovereign state.' The Special Representative also praised Misurata's tribal elders and community leaders for their role in helping to defuse tensions during recent violence in Tripoli, reiterating the UN's commitment to supporting efforts to maintain the current ceasefire. Libya has been divided between rival governments since 2014, with repeated attempts at political reconciliation failing to produce lasting stability or the long-promised national elections. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
Ghariani urges mass demonstrations over Libya's political stalemate
BY Libyan Express May 23, 2025 - 08:31 Updated: May 23, 2025 - 08:33 Religious authority calls for public mobilisation over Libya's political future Sheikh Sadiq Al-Ghariani, Libya's influential Grand Mufti, has issued a dramatic call for widespread public demonstrations aimed at bringing down the country's entire transitional governmental apparatus. Speaking on Tanasuh TV , Al-Ghariani urged Libyans to mount large-scale protests demanding not simply elections or a change of leadership, but the complete dissolution of all transitional bodies that have governed since the 2011 revolution. His inflammatory rhetoric marks a significant escalation in opposition to Libya's prolonged political paralysis. 'Citizens should organise mass demonstrations calling for the conclusion of transitional phases,' the powerful cleric declared, insisting that protesters must focus on wholesale institutional change rather than mere governmental reshuffles or concerns about regional representation. The Grand Mufti reserved his harshest criticism for a recent advisory committee, dismissing its twenty-member composition as wholly illegitimate and unauthorised to represent the Libyan people. He characterised the body as little more than a front for international organisations, propped up by parliamentary support and designed to perpetuate the very transitional arrangements that have left Libya mired in political uncertainty for more than a decade. Al-Ghariani's intervention comes against a backdrop of mounting public exasperation with Libya's seemingly interminable transition period. Since Colonel Gaddafi's overthrow, the oil-rich North African nation has been beset by rival governments, repeatedly postponed elections, and a succession of interim administrations that have singularly failed to deliver stable governance. The religious leader's considerable authority within Libya's conservative society lends substantial weight to his political pronouncements, potentially mobilising public sentiment in a country where tribal, regional, and religious loyalties frequently trump institutional allegiances. However, Libya's deeply fractured security environment and entrenched regional divisions could severely hamper any coordinated mass protest movement. His call for comprehensive institutional dismantling rather than incremental reform reflects growing impatience amongst Libyans with both their political establishment and the international mediators who have overseen the troubled transition process. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
