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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
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.
Libyan Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
UK demands probe after diplomats hit by Israeli fire
BY Libyan Express May 23, 2025 - 06:42 Members of a diplomatic delegation from the European Union reacting after shots were fired as they gathered in Jenin camp Britain's Middle East minister has demanded a full investigation after British diplomats were caught in gunfire from Israeli soldiers during an incident in the occupied West Bank. Hamish Falconer said he had spoken directly to the diplomats affected by Wednesday's events in Jenin, describing the situation as 'unacceptable' in a statement posted on social media platform X. 'Today's events in Jenin are unacceptable. I have spoken to our diplomats who were affected,' Mr Falconer wrote. 'Civilians must always be protected, and diplomats allowed to do their jobs. There must be a full investigation and those responsible should be held accountable.' The minister did not provide details about the circumstances of the incident or specify how many British diplomatic personnel were involved. It remains unclear whether any diplomats were injured during the gunfire. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military operations frequently take place in Palestinian towns and cities. Jenin has been a particular focal point of Israeli raids in recent months. Britain maintains diplomatic ties with both Israel and the Palestinian territories, with British officials regularly visiting the region as part of international efforts to monitor the situation and engage with local communities. 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
British embassy in Libya dismisses closure reports as ‘unfounded'
BY Libyan Express May 23, 2025 - 06:21 Updated: May 23, 2025 - 06:24 British Ambassador Martin Longden met Libya's prime minister following the outbreak of clashes in Tripoli. Photo: Archive The British Embassy in Tripoli has categorically denied reports claiming it plans to close its operations, calling such assertions 'completely unfounded' in a statement issued on Thursday. The embassy confirmed through its official Facebook page that it remains fully operational under Ambassador Martin Longden, with a complete diplomatic staff continuing regular activities in the Libyan capital. 'We are not in the process of leaving Tripoli during this challenging period,' the embassy stated. 'Instead, we continue to work with our international partners to support de-escalation efforts and promote stability in the capital.' The clarification addresses recent media reports suggesting the British diplomatic mission intended to suspend operations or withdraw from Libya entirely. Embassy officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining a presence in the country despite ongoing regional tensions. The British government has maintained diplomatic relations with Libya throughout periods of political instability, with the embassy serving as a key liaison for bilateral cooperation and international stabilisation efforts in the region. No timeline was provided for any potential changes to the embassy's operational status, and officials indicated normal diplomatic activities would continue unchanged. 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
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
Egypt urges restraint amid Tripoli unrest
BY Libyan Express May 17, 2025 - 15:43 Updated: May 17, 2025 - 15:44 Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters Egypt issued an urgent appeal for calm in neighbouring Libya on Saturday following reports of overnight clashes in Tripoli, calling on all Libyan factions to 'exercise the utmost restraint, uphold the interests of the Libyan people, and preserve their resources and property'. The statement, released by Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its official social media channels, expressed 'great interest and concern' regarding the escalating situation in the North African nation, which has struggled with political instability since the 2011 uprising. 'We are closely monitoring developments in Libya and urge all parties to prioritise dialogue over confrontation,' the ministry statement emphasised, though it did not specify details about the nature of Friday evening's incidents in Tripoli. Egyptian authorities also issued safety advisories to their citizens currently residing in Libya, instructing them to 'exercise the utmost caution and remain in their homes until the situation is resolved'. The ministry established a dedicated operations room and urged Egyptian nationals to maintain contact with their embassy in Tripoli for assistance or evacuation if necessary. The timing of Egypt's statement comes amid renewed concerns about Libya's fragile political landscape, where rival administrations continue to vie for control despite international efforts to broker lasting peace. Libya and Egypt share a 1,115-kilometre border, and Cairo has been a significant stakeholder in Libya's stability due to security and economic interests in the region. 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.
