AGP Executive Report

Russian Presence: Moscow is developing logistics and support facilities at six Libyan airfields, with satellite imagery showing new hangars, accommodation and warehouses. The sites remain Libyan military installations, but they support Russia’s wider operations in Africa. Economic Policy: Central Bank Governor Naji Issa met IMF officials in Bangkok to discuss Libya’s financial challenges, monetary stability and reform cooperation. Energy Ties: Pakistan is encouraging refineries to explore Libyan crude imports, but no supply deal has been confirmed. Rights and Security: Four reported disappearances and arrests in western and southern Libya have prompted renewed calls to establish the men’s whereabouts and ensure judicial oversight. Parliament: Earlier this week, lawmakers replaced Aguila Saleh after 12 years as speaker, electing Al-Salheen Abdel-Nabi in a rare leadership change.

African Diplomacy: Libya hosted an African Union meeting in Tripoli on UN Security Council reform, reaffirming support for two permanent African seats with veto rights and a stronger voice for the continent. Eastern Libya: Syria’s foreign minister visited Benghazi for talks with Saddam Haftar on security cooperation, missing Syrians and plans for a consulate—an unusual diplomatic engagement with eastern authorities. Parliament: Lawmakers recently ousted Aguila Saleh after 12 years as speaker and elected Al-Salheen Abdelnabi, a major shift in the eastern-based House of Representatives. Banking Oversight: Prosecutors ordered six National Commercial Bank officials held pending trial over a €1.15 million credit facility allegedly approved without required safeguards. Trade Dispute: Small importers urged the Tripoli government to suspend new foreign-trade rules, saying restricted access to official foreign currency could threaten their businesses. Fuel Supply: Brega denied claims that it had failed to send fuel south, saying about 2.6 million litres had been dispatched, though shipments had yet to reach Sebha when the statement was issued.

African Diplomacy: Tripoli hosted the African Union’s C-10 meeting on UN Security Council reform. Libya backed Africa’s demand for two permanent seats with veto power and two additional non-permanent seats. Security Cooperation: UNSMIL brought eastern and western Libyan officers together to advance joint border-security work, including planned field operations. Separately, Iraqi-Libyan coordination helped stop an attempt to smuggle 1.2 million Captagon pills into Libya. Parliamentary Shift: Lawmakers replaced Aguila Saleh, speaker for 12 years, with Al-Salheen Abdelnabi, who has outlined priorities for the House’s next phase. Southern Services: Sebha officials say fuel deliveries have failed for three days, renewing complaints that the south is being left short. A barcode system is due to resume to organize distribution. Legal Action: Libya has notified the International Court of Justice that it plans to sue Israel over the 1973 downing of Flight 114, in which 108 people died.

AU Diplomacy: Algeria’s foreign minister Ahmed Attaf arrived in Tripoli for an African Union meeting on reforming the UN Security Council, scheduled for October 10–11. Border Security: UNSMIL brought 45 officers from across Libya together in Tripoli; officials agreed on joint field operations and steps to strengthen coordination between eastern and western security centres. Flight 114 Case: Libya’s Tripoli-based government notified the International Court of Justice of its intention to sue Israel over the 1973 downing of a Libyan airliner, which killed 108 people. Russian Presence: A new report tracks Russian ships near Tobruk and changes at eastern Libyan air bases, raising questions about Moscow’s military footprint; claims that a truck convoy carried equipment remain unverified. Parliamentary Shift: Lawmakers this week replaced Aguila Saleh, the eastern-based House of Representatives’ speaker for 12 years, with Al-Salheen Abdel-Nabi. UNSMIL has acknowledged the new leadership.

Security: A Libyan brigade seized more than 1.3 million narcotic pills in Kufra after a firefight with smugglers that injured three soldiers. The force operates under eastern commander Khalifa Haftar. Parliament: Lawmakers ousted Aguila Saleh after 12 years as speaker and elected Al-Salheen Abdel-Nabi. The UN mission says it will work with the new House leadership, as Libya’s divided institutions face a fresh test. US Ties: Libya and the United States signed a strategic cooperation framework on technology and communications, while US adviser Massad Boulos met a Libyan official in Washington. Accountability: A former water resources minister was sentenced to three years in prison for abuse of office and causing losses to public funds through direct contracts and improper hotel expenses.

Security: An eastern-based Libyan brigade says it seized more than 1.3 million narcotic pills after a firefight with smugglers near Kufra; three soldiers were wounded. The raid highlights the country’s role as a transit route for drugs and other illicit goods. Parliament: Lawmakers replaced Aguila Saleh after 12 years as speaker, electing Al-Salheen Abdelnabi. UNSMIL says it is ready to work with the new House leadership, as Libya’s parliamentary shake-up draws attention amid the country’s wider political deadlock. Accountability: A former water resources minister was sentenced to three years in prison over contracts awarded without competitive bidding and other misuse of public funds. Separately, prosecutors remanded two North Africa Bank officials over an alleged 13 million dinar embezzlement scheme. Foreign ties: Libya and the United States signed a strategic cooperation framework covering technology and information and communications technology, while Tripoli’s agriculture ministry agreed with Romania on health certificates for livestock and meat imports.

Parliamentary Shift: Libya’s House of Representatives has elected Al-Salheen Abdel-Nabi as speaker, ending Aguila Saleh’s 12-year tenure. The UN mission says it will work with the new leadership on institutional reforms and a path to elections. Accountability: A former water resources minister was sentenced to three years in prison for abuses involving public contracts and hotel spending. Separately, two North Africa Bank officials were remanded over the alleged misappropriation of LD13 million. Southern Services: Sebha Municipality says its fuel barcode system will resume next week, aiming to organize distribution and ease access amid persistent shortages and long queues. US Partnership: Libya and the United States have signed a framework for cooperation on technology, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and investment.

Parliamentary Shake-up: Libya’s House of Representatives has replaced Aguila Saleh with Al-Salheen Abdel-Nabi after 12 years, adopting a rotating leadership with terms capped at 12 months. Saleh disputes the sessions’ validity, while analysts warn the change could sharpen divisions. UN Roadmap: UNSMIL recognized the new leadership and pledged to work with lawmakers toward unified institutions, reforms and elections within 24 months under an August agreement. U.S. Ties: Libyan and U.S. officials discussed stability and institutional unity in Washington, where they also signed a technology cooperation framework covering digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and investment. Investment: Misrata Free Zone officials and Italy’s ambassador explored opportunities for Italian companies and projects in the zone.

Parliamentary Shake-up: Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives replaced Aguila Saleh after 12 years, electing Al-Salheen Abdelnabi. The move followed a vote by 98 lawmakers to limit the speaker and deputies to 12-month terms; Saleh disputes the session’s legitimacy, as the country’s political deadlock persists. Public Safety: Demining teams cleared 14,066 explosive items from farmland near Misrata between January and September, helping displaced residents consider returning. Governance & Oil: Libya ranked last among 54 African countries for tax and revenue mobilisation, scoring 2.8 in the 2026 Ibrahim Index. Oil output, meanwhile, has exceeded 1.4 million barrels per day, its highest level since 2013.

Parliamentary Shake-up: Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives elected Al-Salheen Abdelnabi speaker after changing its rules to limit leaders to one-year terms. Aguila Saleh, ousted after 12 years, disputes the vote’s validity; eastern military commander Saddam Haftar has backed the new leadership. Abdelnabi says he will strengthen parliament’s lawmaking and oversight roles and pursue national consensus. Economic Ties: Tripoli officials discussed restarting Chinese projects and pursuing new infrastructure and renewable-energy work. Libya also reported oil output above 1.4 million barrels a day, its highest level since 2013. Public Pressures: A teachers’ strike continues to disrupt the school year, while authorities have banned exports of agricultural produce and locally made food products. Migration: Libya reported deporting 6,130 people in September; a UN report also warns that children traveling alone to Europe face heightened risks of violence and exploitation, including along routes through Libya.

Parliamentary Shake-Up: Eastern-based lawmakers replaced Aguila Saleh after 12 years, electing Al-Salihin Abdelnabi following a vote to limit parliamentary leaders’ terms to one year. Saleh disputes the process’s legality; analysts say the change may reflect a shifting balance of power as Saddam Haftar gains influence. UN Diplomacy: Türkiye’s foreign minister met UN Libya envoy Hanna Tetteh in Ankara as the UN presses rival factions to agree on a path to elections and political reconciliation. Oil: Libya’s crude output reportedly topped 1.4 million barrels a day, its highest level since 2013. Migrant Safety: A UN report found more than 20,000 children who reached Europe in 2025 travelled without a parent or guardian; nearly half of young migrants interviewed reported physical violence on their journeys, with Libya frequently cited.

Parliament Power Shift: Libya’s eastern House of Representatives has elected Al-Salheen Abdelnabi al-Obeidi as new speaker, replacing Aguila Saleh after 12 years, following lawmakers’ move to limit the speaker and deputies to a single 12-month term; Saleh rejected the earlier session as “unofficial,” setting up a fresh political fight over procedure and legitimacy. Housing & Rights: UN-Habitat marked World Habitat Day 2026 in Muscat, urging governments to treat adequate housing as a core human right and a pillar for dignity, poverty reduction, and climate-resilient cities. Border Security Upgrade: EU-backed training in Italy equipped Libyan border officials with biometric and electronic document checks, including fraud detection and coordinated risk-based controls at ports. Oil Output Update: Libya’s National Oil Corporation said production has topped 1.4 million barrels per day, the highest since 2013, citing field restoration, new wells, and infrastructure upgrades. Legal Accountability: A dispute continues over the Central Bank of Libya failing to implement a court ruling involving ATIB Bank board removals, keeping pressure on governance and rule-of-law claims.

Libya’s Parliament: In Benghazi, HoR members met without Speaker Agila Saleh; around 98 approved changes to leadership election procedures, while Saleh had called for an official session on 6 October—raising fresh uncertainty over who controls the next steps in eastern politics. Oil & Gas: The National Oil Corporation said it expects a 100,000-barrel-per-day production boost for Waha and North Jalo fields with Total and ConocoPhillips, while also negotiating Central Bank financing for key NOC projects. Economy & Trade: Libya’s Economy Ministry announced bans on exporting agricultural products and locally produced food items (with dates as the only exception) and restrictions on re-exports, aiming to protect local supply. Banking & Payments: The Central Bank of Libya reported electronic transactions reached about 865 billion Libyan dinars by end-September, alongside plans to expand cash distribution and electronic payment services. EU Border Cooperation: Libyan border officials received EU-backed training in biometric checks and secure document verification through EUBAM Libya, supported by Italian police and customs. Health Diplomacy: A Libyan Health Ministry delegation visited Jordan to discuss oversight, accreditation, and digital health transformation. Humanitarian/Regional: The EU warned Ethiopia-Eritrea tensions could escalate into a wider regional conflict as Eritrean President Isaias returned from summit talks in Egypt.

Libya’s Parliament: In Benghazi, 102 HoR members met in a breakaway session without Speaker Agila Saleh, approving changes to leadership election procedures and setting up a new leadership vote path. Oil & Industry: The National Oil Corporation said it expects a 100,000-barrel-per-day production boost via Waha and North Jalo fields, in partnership with Total and ConocoPhillips, while negotiating Central Bank financing for key projects. Economy & Trade: Libya’s Economy Ministry ordered tighter export controls: a ban on exporting agricultural products (except dates), a halt on exporting locally produced food until markets stabilize, and a prohibition on re-exporting imported goods. Public Finance: The Central Bank of Libya reported electronic transactions reached about 865 billion Libyan dinars by end-September, alongside plans to expand cash and foreign-currency distribution and improve electronic payment services. Social Tension: Libyan teachers’ pay protests have escalated into an open-ended strike, stalling the school year across both western and eastern Libya. Regional Security: Greece rejected Turkish permission demands for seabed surveys tied to the Great Sea Interconnector, keeping the Cyprus-Crete cable dispute in focus.

Parliamentary Power Struggle in Benghazi: Libya’s HoR met in a “breakaway” session in Benghazi with 102 MPs, adopting a new leadership term system and setting up a fast-track path to replace Speaker Agila Saleh—moves tied to wider pressure around the 4+4 process and Haftar’s stance. Trade & Food Security: Libya’s Economy and Trade Minister issued Decision No. 493/2026 banning exports of all agricultural products (except dates), halting exports of locally produced food until markets stabilize, and prohibiting re-export of imported goods—aimed at protecting local supply. Teachers’ Strike Escalates: Libyan public school teachers expanded protests into an open-ended strike, with unions warning other sectors may join unless talks address pay and cost-of-living pressures across both western and eastern divides. Humanitarian Focus on Older People: On International Day of Older Persons, LIFE for Relief and Development highlighted how conflict and disasters leave elderly people exposed to health, isolation, and disrupted services. Migration Pressure at Libya’s Doorstep: Kurdish asylum seekers missing in Libya are being returned to Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, underscoring ongoing smuggling routes through Libya toward Europe. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Algeria severed ties with the UAE, citing “hostile actions” and pointing to UAE support for Haftar in Libya and backing for Sudan’s RSF.

Trade & Food Security: Libya’s Economy and Trade Minister Suhail Abu Shiha issued Decision No. 493 of 2026 banning exports of all agricultural products (except dates), halting exports of locally produced food until local markets stabilize, and prohibiting re-exports of imported goods—aimed at protecting supply for citizens. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Italy’s Nova reports fuel smuggling linked to Libya’s subsidy gap, citing seizures of 6,000 liters near Jalu–Awjila and describing black-market flows to Libya’s parallel market and across borders to Tunisia and parts of the Sahel, with armed groups reportedly controlling routes and storage. Migration & Returns: Libya-linked Kurdish cases continue: 11 missing asylum seekers are being returned to Iraq’s Kurdistan Region after months of efforts, while earlier reports also point to bodies of migrants being identified through DNA work. Governance & Elections: HoR Speaker Ageela Saleh called for an official parliamentary session next Tuesday in Benghazi, including constitutional steps around the 4+4 framework and disputes over quorum. Human Rights: Reports say eastern Libya has resumed executions after a decade-long moratorium, prompting EU demands to halt further capital punishment. Energy for Health Services: REAoL’s “GoGreen” program is equipping multiple health centers with solar systems to keep services running reliably.