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Euronews
a day ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Is Libya's General Khalifa Haftar really that powerful?
When a senior EU delegation travelled to the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi last Tuesday, they were hoping to discuss ways to limit the increasing numbers of migrants leaving Libya heading north to Europe. However, shortly after their jet touched down at Benghazi Airport, the cluster of EU foreign ministers – as well as European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner – were sent packing. There was no agreement, not even a meeting. They were unceremoniously kicked out and declared "personae non gratae," a source on the European side told Euronews at the time, adding that the delegation was caught in a diplomatic 'trap' in which Haftar tried to force them to take a photo with, and tacitly legitimise, his Benghazi-based government. While the EU itself has been remiss to publicly comment on what one senior Libyan analyst said was outright 'humiliation,' it is understood that the man they were hoping to strike a deal with was General Khalifa Haftar. As the head of the powerful Libyan National Army, despite not leading the internationally recognised government, Haftar has become the de facto ruler of vast swathes of the North African country, which has lacked a unified state since the fall and assassination of notorious dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Although Haftar is arguably the most powerful person in Libya today, he was once persona non grata himself, living quietly in exile right up to Gaddafi's demise. Keep your friends close… Born to an Arab Benuin family in northeastern Libya at the start of Britain's eight-year occupation of the country, Khalifa Belqasim Omar Haftar was, even according to his allies, 'a very quiet young lad who did not do much work.' However, he managed to gain admission to the Benghazi Military University Academy, where friends from his time there reportedly also refer to him as 'a very stern boy.' 'He would not ask for a fight, but if it came to him, he knows how to handle it,' Haftar's friends described him. It was at the academy where Haftar got to know a student in the year above — one Muammar Gaddafi. They became fast friends, with Haftar even labelling Gaddafi an 'angel'. The two united over their revolutionary spirit, fomented by a recent political coup that toppled the monarchy and political class in Libya's neighbour, Egypt. 'We were massively affected by Jamal Abdel Nasser's era and what was going on in Egypt,' Haftar later explained. Haftar was also said to be a massive admirer of the Iraqi vice president at the time — soon to become another household name. 'Khalifa's most important son is named Saddam, who by the way is named after Saddam Hussein. He's the most like his father, I think that tells you all you need to know,' Tim Eaton from the Chatham House Institute said during an interview with Euronews from London. It is also likely that he chose his title, field marshal, as a nod to Yugoslav socialist leader Josip Broz Tito, experts believe. Just three years after his graduation, Haftar was instrumental in the 1969 coup, which toppled King Idris and replaced him with Gaddafi, who had expansionist ambitions of spreading his Islamic socialist ideology — also known as Jamahiriya — beyond Libya's borders. In subsequent years, Haftar trained in the Soviet Union and rose through the ranks of Gaddafi's military, commanding the Libyan troops supporting Egyptian troops entering Israeli-occupied Sinai during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. This cemented what was to become an enduring relationship between the Libyan military commander and leaders in Cairo. But keep your enemies closer In 1986, Haftar was made a colonel before becoming the military chief of staff. As the Gaddafi regime became increasingly authoritarian and rogue, his rise seemed inexorable. However, his luck suddenly turned: Gaddafi's favourite commander led a disastrous mission in the late 1980s into neighbouring Chad, which led to the capture of almost 700 Libyan soldiers, including Haftar himself. He was jailed, along with his men. Then it was the US, not Libya, that secured his release, which Libyan analyst Anas El Gomati contends was a turning point in the Haftar-Gaddafi relationship. 'Haftar was like Gaddafi's chosen sword until he became his sharpest blade turned inward,' the founder of Libya's self-described first think tank told Euronews. As El Gomati explained, Haftar 'was abandoned as a scapegoat, then spent two decades in Virginia plotting revenge." "He didn't just oppose Gaddafi, he became his dark mirror, learning every lesson about authoritarian control," El Gomati pointed out. In fact, Haftar spent the next 24 years in exile and working with Libyan opposition movements, living just kilometres away from Washington, in Langley, the home of the CIA. In 2019, a former advisor to Haftar in the mid-2010s, Mohamed Bouzier, concurred with El Gomati in an interview with the BBC. 'He was inhabited by Gaddafi. He was inhabited by envy of Gaddafi. How Gaddafi ruled this country," Bouzier said. However, some Libya insiders privately told Euronews of rumours that Gaddafi had actually gifted his former military chief an opulent mansion in Cairo during this time — the same house in which Haftar's most powerful son, Saddam, grew up. Back in the fold When protests erupted across the Arab world in 2011, Libyans took to the streets in cities across the country. After decades of discussing plots to overthrow Gaddafi with willing Western ears and, as Libya expert Claudia Gazzini describes it, 'sort of defecting to the Americans', Haftar finally saw cracks emerging and soon went to the Libyan capital Tripoli. However, the International Crisis Group's senior analyst pushed back on the idea of Haftar becoming a key US puppet in the Libyan revolution. 'I haven't heard anybody make it so explicit. It would make sense, but nobody has said the Americans told him to go back there.' Even if they did, it wouldn't have been a short-term success, she continued. 'In 2012-2013, he based himself in Tripoli, but he wasn't a big name at the time, because there were just so many different armed groups in Tripoli an the power was balanced out between all these people.' El Gomati was less diplomatic: 'Haftar was a footnote, a Cold War fossil.' It was not until 2014 that Haftar's head really appeared above the parapet, when he announced an operation which he said was to root out extremists in Benghazi. Even then, Gazzini contends that he was not taken seriously. 'He came on TV. It was very pathetic. He actually came on TV with a big map behind him saying: 'Hey, you know, we need to rebel against these bad Islamists.'' A claim that both Gazzini and Eaton doubt, with the latter telling Euronews that 'for Haftar, there's always been good islamists and bad Islamists.' 'There's actually a lot of Salafists (Islamist extremists) in his ranks, just ones who can take orders," Eaton explained. However, Operation Dignity, as it was known, helped consolidate Haftar's power over Libya's second biggest city and much of the country's east. Over the following years, he built up his power and became the supreme commander of the Libyan National Army in 2015. None of this happened in a vacuum. Family at home, friends abroad Over the decades, Haftar had built up close relationships in Cairo, but when he returned to Libya, Egypt was also in the midst of revolutionary fervour, tending towards the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood group. As Gazzini explained, 'There was a jihadist threat in Libya and then we have Egypt, which was very weak." "If you go back to before 2013 before (Abdel Fattah) El-Sisi, there was this fear that Egypt could implode ... And the Europeans also didn't want Egypt to collapse," she explained. Faced with difficult choices and fearing the likes of the self-proclaimed IS group spreading their influence in North Africa, some analysts believe that European leaders gave Haftar — whose power and army grew in strength — the silent nod of approval to do what he thinks is right. "They needed a new Gaddafi, someone who could stop democracy from becoming contagious. Haftar fit the mould: ruthless, ambitious, and willing to trade sovereignty for support," El Gomati believes. Egypt also backed him as a known known, someone in the immediate neighbourhood who understood the context, but also the perils the region was facing. The list of backers, silent or otherwise, only continued to grow from there on out. In addition to Cairo, Haftar gained the support of governments ranging from Moscow to Washington, even though the UN did not recognise his wider authority as a legitimate head of state. However, according to Gazzini, it was Abu Dhabi and Paris who ended up as his most unquestioning supporters. While the Emirates saw the allure of Libya's oil reserves — the largest in Africa — France and Europe more widely were dealing with an influx of refugees through the Mediterranean, hundreds of thousands of whom were hoping to reach the continent via Libya. In all that, Haftar saw his chance to utilise the international support and finally become the ruler of Libya — and who knows, maybe even bigger than Gaddafi himself. When Haftar announced his intention to overthrow the Tripoli-based, internationally recognised Government of National Accord on the day UN Secretary General António Guterres arrived in the capital in 2019, even Egypt warned him against it. 'But he was full of hubris from the Emiratis who wanted to do it. They were giving him aerial cover. The French also wanted to do it,' Gazzini told Euronews from the IRG offices in Rome. It is a hubris that some have compared to his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Similarly, Haftar's attempts also failed. Tripoli refused to fall into Haftar's troops' hands, and Libya fell back into a form of stalemate. Divided we stand Throughout this time, Haftar was accumulating extraordinary wealth for his family, whom he had installed in various positions, experts say. As Eaton told Euronews, 'There was a debate on whether when Khalifa (Haftar) died, could his sons come in and take over. It seems that they have come in and started creating their own portfolios even before.' And it is all in the family and the hands of his children, as El Gomati succinctly outlined. 'Saddam runs the ground forces. Khaled commands the personal guard. Belkacem controls the billions in Libya's reconstruction fund. Sedig runs the reconciliation file,' he explained. The family has amassed a portfolio estimated to be worth billions. Despite his failure to seize the wider country, Haftar and his sons continue to run much of the country. 'He controls everything that matters in eastern Libya,' El Gomati said. 'Oil fields, ports, airports, military bases, and the central bank's printing press. He has his own air force, controls cross-border smuggling routes… It operates like a state within a state.' Euronews has reached out to Khalifa and Saddam Haftar for comment. As shown by the EU's lack of retribution over the past week, the self-proclaimed field marshal also maintains significant international backing. He was recently in Russia for talks with Putin – a trip he was rumoured to have died on, but once again, he miraculously recovered. The 'humiliation' of the EU delegation also isn't the first time Haftar has managed to push around supposed allies in Europe. The analysts Euronews spoke to put this down to Europe's domestic wranglings over 'irregular migrations,' and the simple fact that 'there's no way migrant boats would be leaving the east without Haftar knowing.' Gazzini gave the example of her native Italy: 'At some point, a lot of migrants were going to the coast of Italy about a year and a half ago, he let it be known that he wanted an official visit and an official invitation to Rome. And he got that.' At the end of his interview, El Gomati did not mince words about the European approach to the Libyan commander. 'Europeans keep volunteering as victims. Haftar treats EU diplomats like desperate suitors because that's exactly what they are.' It is a point that Eaton also touches upon, albeit somewhat more diplomatically. 'There's a real imbalance,' he concluded. However, Europe is not acting in a vacuum either. It is often trying to play by international rules and conventions in an arena where shady actions speak much louder than words and agreements on paper. Sometimes, it is better to have a strongman on your side — or at least his ear. 'We have very little leverage compared to other states. Compare it with the Russians, who have MiGs and have fighter jets that are at Haftar's disposal," Gazzini admitted. 'Compare us to the Emiratis who bring in reinforcements and ammunition in violation of the embargo.'
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libyan Authorities Arrest 159 Migrants
Libya's Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency has carried out large-scale security operations across Benghazi to clear out informal settlements and apprehend undocumented migrants. According to an official statement, the campaign targeted several areas, including Al-Kuwifiya, Tariq Al-Nahr, Bouatni, Bouhdima, and Al-Qawarsha. During the raids, authorities detained 159 undocumented migrants of various nationalities. The Agency confirmed that these operations will continue daily without exception. It also announced that all detained individuals, especially those with health issues, will be deported within one week in accordance with the country's legal procedures. This latest crackdown is part of a broader effort by Libyan authorities to manage irregular migration and maintain public order within major urban centers. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: benghazilibyamigrants
Libya Review
2 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
New Libyan Currency Shipment Lands in Libyan Capita Tripoli
A new shipment of Libyan banknotes, printed abroad, has arrived at Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli, according to banking sources. The shipment, valued at 434 million Libyan dinars, is set to be transferred to the vaults of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) for nationwide distribution to commercial bank branches. The move is part of the CBL's ongoing efforts to address the liquidity crisis and ensure the steady availability of cash across the country. Official data indicates that over 65 billion dinars were distributed to commercial banks during the first half of this year as part of a comprehensive strategy to restore financial stability. This latest shipment is expected to support areas facing acute cash shortages, especially ahead of the salary disbursement period and the upcoming seasonal demand surge. The Central Bank emphasized that the initiative falls within a broader monetary policy aimed at reinforcing confidence in the banking system and ensuring the smooth functioning of economic activity throughout Libya. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: cblCentral Banklibyatripoli
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Father Patrick Ryan, the IRA's ‘Terror Priest' whose detonators were used in the Brighton bomb
Father Patrick Ryan, who has died aged 94, was a curate in London during the early days of the Troubles who moonlighted as a robber, money launderer and the IRA's linkman with the Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi; gifted and arrogant, he refused to join the IRA, but ploughed his own furrow as a bomb-maker responsible for hundreds of deaths, earning the nickname 'the Padre' from his allies – and, from the press, 'the Terror Priest' and 'the Devil's Disciple'. He was born in Co Tipperary in 1930, the second son of a family of six on a small farm. He joined the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, the Pallottine Fathers, aged 14, became a talented amateur engineer and a mercy pilot as a missionary in Tanganyika. There were clues in his youth to what he would become. His mother was a gifted storyteller who gripped him with stories about her heroism and the wickedness of the Black and Tans a decade before he was born; mothers have traditionally been the primary passers-on of Irish tales of British injustice. 'I was captivated by her stories,' he told his biographer, Jennifer O'Leary, in The Padre: The True Story of the Irish Priest Who Armed the IRA with Gaddafi's Money. 'It was like I was back there with her, watching and listening out for the enemy. All she wanted was for us to listen, and we did. All you had to do was mention the subject and she was off, it was in her bones.' From an early age Ryan displayed characteristics that would be useful in facilitating mass murder: as an eight-year-old poacher of fish, pheasants and rabbits, he showed himself more ruthless than his siblings, who called him Paddy the Skinner. Later, in Tanganyika, he would show an aptitude and enjoyment for big game hunting. When he became a fierce anti-colonialist, he felt remorse for killing three elephants, saying: 'It was elephant country before any man or women.' But he showed no remorse for the men, women and children whose murders he facilitated: 'The only regret I have was that I wasn't more effective; that the bombs made with the components I supplied didn't kill more. That is my one regret.' He was bored with the spiritual part of his job and quit as a curate in 1973. He based himself for a time in Benidorm, collecting millions in donations from the Continent and beyond, which he laundered and delivered to the IRA in complex financial operations. But his major contribution was to transform the efficacy of the IRA's bombs, which had suffered from faulty detonators. In 1975, having spotted Memo Park timers in a Geneva shop window, he purchased the entire stock, which he re-engineered to become perfect bomb timers that would feature in atrocities including the 1979 Warrenpoint massacre of 18 British soldiers and the 1984 Brighton bombing that almost killed Margaret Thatcher. A skilful global arms and finance procurer – 'I set out to go around the world and discover the enemy of my enemy, the Brits, and make their enemy my friend' – he was also quartermaster of a brutally effective IRA murder squad in Belgium and a leading suspect in murders on the Continent. Amid furious international rows Mrs Thatcher unsuccessfully sought to have him extradited from Belgium and Ireland ('Ryan is a really bad egg,' she told the then Taoiseach Charles Haughey); met with indifference in Belgium, hostility in Ireland and the obduracy of the European Court of Human Rights, she failed at every turn. Ryan secured 30,000 votes as an independent candidate in the 1989 European elections in Ireland. In 1993 he was expelled from the Pallottine Order 'for persistent refusal to comply with the legitimate instructions of his superiors'. He fell out with Martin McGuinness ('not to be trusted') and other prominent IRA men such as Joe Cahill ('reckless') and Brian Keenan (who 'should never have been let loose on society'). An attractive young English Protestant became smitten with him in London and sometimes shared the van in which he lived, but he permitted little intimacy in his life. 'I would say she was in love with me, yes,' he said. 'I gave it no thought, but I kept in touch with her because you see, you never know when you might need to call in a favour.' Indeed, she became a money mule until he ditched her as a security risk. 'The trick is to be patient,' he explained to his biographer, 'because, you see, every person wants something badly, and if you can wait and slowly find out what that something is and then provide it, you're a winner in any walk of life.' Patrick Ryan, born 1930, died June 15 2025 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Politics
- Reuters
More than 100 migrants freed in Libya after being held captive by gang, officials say
BENGHAZI, July 14 (Reuters) - More than 100 migrants, including five women, have been freed from captivity after being held for ransom by a gang in eastern Libya, the country's attorney general said on Monday. "A criminal group involved in organising the smuggling of migrants, depriving them of their freedom, trafficking them, and torturing them to force their families to pay ransoms for their release," a statement from the attorney general said. Libya has become a transit route for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty to Europe via the dangerous route across the desert and over the Mediterranean following the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. Many migrants desperate to make the crossing have fallen into the hands of traffickers. The freed migrants had been held in Ajdabiya, some 160 km (100 miles) from Libya's second city Benghazi. Five suspected traffickers from Libya, Sudan and Egypt, have been arrested, officials said. The attorney general and Ajdabiya security directorate posted pictures of the migrants on their Facebook pages which they said had been retrieved from the suspects' mobile phones. They showed migrants with hands and legs cuffed with signs that they had been beaten. In February, at least 28 bodies were recovered from a mass grave in the desert north of Kufra city. Officials said a gang had subjected the migrants to torture and inhumane treatment. That followed another 19 bodies being found in a mass grave in the Jikharra area, also in southeastern Libya, a security directorate said, blaming a known smuggling network. As of December 2024, around 825,000 migrants from 47 countries were recorded in Libya, according to U.N. data released in May. Last week, the EU migration commissioner and ministers from Italy, Malta and Greece met with the internationally recognised prime minister of the national unity government, Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and discussed the migration crisis.
