Latest from Libya Review
Libya Review
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Greek Minister Accuses Libya of Directing Migrants Towards Greece
Greece's Minister of Justice, Giorgos Floridis, has accused the Libyan authorities of deliberately directing waves of migrants toward southern Greece, warning that the strategy mirrors past tactics used by Turkey at the Greek-Turkish border. Floridis said in recent remarks that 'Libya appears to be adopting Turkey's playbook by using migrants as tools of pressure against Greece.' He warned that this escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability and security in the eastern Mediterranean. According to the minister, Greek coastal and border authorities have recorded a sharp increase in irregular migration attempts originating from Libya's western coast, particularly toward the Peloponnese and other parts of southern Greece. 'These are not random incidents,' Floridis claimed. 'This is an organized and deliberate attempt to destabilize Greece and test European border defenses.' A Broader Trend of Political Exploitation The Justice Minister's remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Mediterranean region, where human smuggling networks are reportedly thriving due to weak governance and ongoing conflict in Libya. Floridis called for greater European Union coordination and support to address what he described as 'a hybrid threat involving the instrumentalization of human suffering.' He also reiterated that Greece 'will not be intimidated or manipulated' by such tactics and emphasized that the country will continue to defend its sovereignty and uphold international law. Greek officials have in the past blamed Turkey for similar actions, particularly during the 2020 migrant crisis when thousands of asylum seekers attempted to storm Greece's land and sea borders. Now, the same concerns are being raised about Libya. Tags: Giorgos FloridisGreecelibyamigrants
Libya Review
7 hours ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Libya Attracts 40 Global Firms in New Oil Round
A recent report by U.S.-based energy platform highlights Libya's growing strategic importance in Western efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian supplies, amid intensifying geopolitical competition with Moscow and Beijing in North Africa. Despite ongoing political and security instability, the report notes that major Western energy companies—including Shell and BP—are re-establishing their presence in Libya's energy sector, seeking to secure long-term access to its rich oil and gas reserves. Libya's Ambitious Oil Production Targets The renewed Western interest coincides with ambitious production goals set by the National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya. The NOC aims to increase national crude output to 1.6 million barrels per day by 2026. Achieving this target will require investments of $3 to $4 billion, according to previous statements by the Acting Minister of Oil in the Government of National Unity. Shell and BP are at the forefront of Britain's energy diversification strategy, serving as key players in the search for alternative supplies to sanctioned Russian oil and gas since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022. The report mentions that both firms have recently resumed operations in Libya, alongside other European giants such as Italy's Eni and France's TotalEnergies. This movement is framed as part of a broader Western energy pivot aimed at undermining Russia's ability to fund its war through energy revenues. High International Interest in Libya's Exploration Round OilPrice also pointed to a new oil licensing round launched by Libya's NOC in March, offering 22 onshore and offshore exploration blocks. The round has attracted interest from at least 40 international companies, including Spain's Repsol and U.S.-based ConocoPhillips. The blocks cover key basins such as Murzuq, Ghadames, and Sirte, in addition to offshore areas in the Mediterranean—underscoring the vast geographical scope of Libya's hydrocarbon potential. Security Services and Energy Infrastructure Protection The report also highlights the willingness of international companies to invest in securing their operations on the ground. This includes deploying specialized security teams and building supporting infrastructure, in accordance with international legal frameworks. In some cases, the level of protection offered may rival that provided to foreign embassies in conflict zones. As global powers continue to shift their energy strategies, Libya is poised to become a critical hub in Western energy realignment—if stability can be sustained. Tags: gaslibyanocoilOilPrice
Libya Review
9 hours ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Egyptian Investments in Libya Surpass $2.5 Billion
Egyptian companies are currently executing infrastructure and development projects in Libya worth over $5 billion, according to Ahmed El-Wakil, President of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce. Speaking at the 4th Egypt-Libya Business Forum held in Alexandria under the slogan 'Egypt and Libya Towards Integrated Sustainable Development,' El-Wakil noted that these ventures span key sectors such as road construction, including the ring road, power stations, and housing developments. Egyptian Investment in Libya Surges El-Wakil revealed that Egypt's direct investments in Libya have surpassed $2.5 billion for the first time, now exceeding Libyan investments in Egypt—signaling a significant shift in the bilateral economic landscape. However, he also noted a 25% decline in the number of Libyan companies operating in Egypt, with the figure falling to 511 firms. These companies have a declared capital of $4 billion and effective contributions of $2.4 billion. El-Wakil urged the reactivation of the Shidda Libya Investment Authority, citing its past pivotal role in supporting economic cooperation. New Joint Ventures Targeting Africa Calling for a move beyond traditional bilateral ties, El-Wakil advocated for a new phase of joint economic action aimed at penetrating African markets, aligning with the mutual interests of both nations. He emphasized the strategic benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which opens access to a market bloc valued at over $1.4 trillion. Logistics Hub at Salloum Border and Regional Infrastructure Plans On the logistics front, Egypt has completed technical studies to establish a global logistics hub near the Salloum border crossing, which would boost trade with Libya and improve access to West African markets. He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Mediterranean coastal highway stretching from Port Said to Casablanca, and proposed accelerating the construction of a transcontinental trade route connecting southern Egypt, southern Libya, Chad, and Dakar, enhancing links between the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Private Sector Role in Libya's Reconstruction El-Wakil called for aligning Egyptian technical capabilities with Libyan capital to take advantage of business opportunities across the African continent, especially for young entrepreneurs. He affirmed that the private sector—supported by both governments—is well-positioned to lead Libya's post-conflict reconstruction, especially in transportation, logistics, ports, infrastructure, and energy. Highlighting Egypt's success in national power development and regional interconnection, El-Wakil stressed its potential as a foundation for future cooperation. He also pointed to promising joint ventures in manufacturing, particularly in building materials, metallurgy, and food industries—where Egypt holds strong technological and industrial advantages. The forum reflects ongoing efforts to expand economic cooperation between Cairo and Tripoli, with the private sector playing a key role in driving sustainable development and rebuilding efforts. Tags: AfCFTAEgyptlibyaNorth AfricaTrade
Libya Review
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Libya Review
Libya Among 7 Teams to Qualify for Minifootball Cup Quarterfinals
Libya has officially qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2025 African Minifootball Cup, joining six other teams in advancing past the group stage of the tournament currently being held in Derna. The host nation delivered strong performances across the first two rounds, securing its place in the final eight alongside Chad, Morocco, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Mauritania, and Guinea. The tournament, hosted at Derna International Stadium, has drawn enthusiastic local support and showcased Libya's capacity to organize regional sporting events under challenging circumstances. Sixteen teams from across Africa are competing in this year's edition, with Libya's presence and progression energizing home fans and amplifying national pride. One final spot remains in the quarterfinal lineup. It will be determined on Saturday, when Tanzania faces South Africa in a decisive Group C match. Both teams are still in contention and evenly matched, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter. South Africa, the defending champions, must win or draw to stay in the competition, while Tanzania hopes to clinch a historic qualification. This edition marks the fourth African Minifootball Cup, and it comes at a time of rising interest in the fast-paced, small-sided version of football across the continent. The tournament in Derna has not only delivered exciting matches but has also served as a symbol of resilience and recovery for a city often associated with crisis rather than celebration. Tags: AfricanDernalibyaMinifootball Cup
Libya Review
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libya's Amazigh Council Appeals for Peaceful Political Transition
On Saturday, the Amazigh Supreme Council in Libya warned against the militarization of Tripoli, rejecting any attempt by armed groups or political factions to impose control over the capital under any justification. In a statement released by the Supreme Council of Amazigh in Libya and representatives from Zuwara, they made it clear that they oppose the use of force to gain power or monopolize state institutions. The council denounced any form of political or military dominance that threatens civilians, destroys private or public property, or deepens divisions among Libyans. They condemned efforts by what they called 'governments of imposed reality' to use coercion or violence to hold onto power, adding that no political objective should come at the cost of national unity or public safety. They also strongly opposed arbitrary arrests and restrictions on freedom targeting opponents or dissenters, calling such acts a violation of basic rights and a dangerous precedent for the country's fragile political future. The council urged all parties to abandon military options and focus instead on dialogue and peaceful negotiation. In their statement, the Amazigh representatives emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue and national reconciliation. They called on all Libyan cities and communities to come together to protect what remains of the nation's social fabric and to work toward a future built on mutual respect and shared responsibility. The council further criticised the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), holding it partially responsible for the worsening political and security landscape. According to the statement, the mission has failed to prevent escalating tensions and has not succeeded in guiding Libya out of its prolonged transitional phase. The council noted that more than a decade of division and political instability has caused deep harm to Libyan society, weakened state institutions, and inflicted economic suffering on ordinary citizens. They concluded by affirming their commitment to national unity and peaceful political solutions, warning that Libya's future must not be shaped by force, threats, or foreign manipulation. Tags: AmazighGovernmentlibyatripoliunsmil
