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MENASource May 24, 2024 Print this page Libyas special envoy resigned. Whats next for the country?

By Tahani Elmogrbi

Since the Libyan House of Representatives announced a new law for presidential and parliamentary elections on November 1, 2023, specifying a deadline of two hundred and forty days for holding the polls, political divisions in Libya have deepened. Despite this legislative step, disagreements persist among Libyan authorities, with various powerful politicians and military figures vying for control and influence over state resources.

The April 16 resignation of the head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdullah Batili, demonstrated the failure of international efforts to resolve the crisis, exacerbating divisions within Libya. Thus, the path to elections remains uncertain.

For the Libyan people, elections are crucial to establishing legitimate governance and resolving the political crisis. While Libya faces significant hurdles in organizing elections, concerted efforts toward political dialogue, security stabilization, and electoral-law reforms are vital for progress.

Tahani Elmogrbi, a Libya expert, interviewed the High National Election Commission chairman, Dr. Emad al-Sayah, on May 14 for the Atlantic Councils North Africa Initiative, to get his perspective on the elections in the current environment after Batilis resignation.

TAHANI ELMOGRBI: Will the elections ever happen in Libya?

EMAD AL-SAYAH: The stakeholders involved in the current Libyan political crisis, including the international community, led by the UNSMIL, consider elections as an objective rather than a tool. Everyone knows that elections serve as a tool for the peaceful devolution of power, necessitating their implementation within a consensual political environment and a cultural framework fostering a minimum level of security and stability. Unfortunately, these conditions are currently absent in the Libyan political landscape. As long as this perspective dominates, the pathway toward elections and a peaceful devolution of power in Libya will face significant constraints, potentially delaying or even preventing the conduct of elections in the short term.

TAHANI ELMOGRBI: What are the current main reasons behind its delay?

EMAD AL-SAYAH: The Libyan political environment has become hostile toward democratic principles, particularly elections. This phenomenon can be attributed to some factors that have produced negative outcomes and shaped the environment over the past twelve years. The most prominent of these factors include the absence of a culture of democracy and peaceful devolution of power within Libyan society; lack of a constitution to regulate the process of power devolution; negative foreign interference aimed at preserving its interests and maintaining the status quo; and ineffective performance of most of the United Nations secretary-generals special envoys.

TAHANI ELMOGRBI: Is it possible to amend the electoral law?

EMAD AL-SAYAH: Due to the absence of a permanent constitution establishing the primary legislative rules for the electoral process in Libya, political parties involved in the crisis have not accepted specific articles and provisions, particularly those related to candidate qualifications and the electoral system. In Libyan elections, it is common for some political parties to obstruct any electoral process that could potentially end their political careers. Therefore, amending electoral laws in Libya is much more challenging than drafting them initially.

TAHANI ELMOGRBI: Will Batilis resignation affect the possibility of holding elections?

EMAD AL-SAYAH: During the twelve years of dealing with the Libyan crisis, the United Nations mission did not have any strategic vision for moving the Libyan state from the transitional phase to the phase of permanent stability. Each UN envoy adopted a different vision for resolving the political crisis based on his/her convictions and perceptions, which would undoubtedly be affected by his/her personal behavior on the one hand, and by the constant and changing political facts in the local and foreign arenas on the other hand. Most of them failed in their missions, and those who would have succeeded found themselves facing challenges that they could not overcome without having international support, which is also divided. Analyzing the briefings they presented to the United Nations Security Council, which primarily reported on Libyas political, economic, and security situations, reveals that the resignation of any special envoy and their replacement will not have a significant impact without a coherent strategy in place.

TAHANI ELMOGRBI: Is it beneficial to focus on military and economic dialogues rather than political dialogue?

EMAD AL-SAYAH: The central issue in the Libyan crisis is the political dimension, which serves as its primary source and cannot be disregarded. Addressing other aspects, such as economic or security concerns, requires a political solution that results in an elected authority possessing the legitimacy to effectively manage other crises transparently and prioritize national interests above all else. Currently, there is a trend of leveraging foreign interests and ambitions to maintain power, which hinders progress toward resolving the crisis. Continuing with this approach, in the absence of unified and conscientious political leadership, will exacerbate political conflicts and deepen internal divisions. It will also safeguard the interests of foreign countries involved in the conflict and their local allies, preventing any political changes that may threaten their interests.

Tahani Elmogrbiis a Libya expert and international development specialist.

Mon, Apr 29, 2024

MENASource By Karim Mezran

The US and its allies cannot ignore anymore the importance of stabilizing Libya through a constant, inclusive, and transparent political process accompanied by a forceful action of resistance and pushback against the Russian infiltration.

Image: The two representatives of the Libyan Presidential Council, Musa Al-Koni and Abdullah Al-Lafi, inspect the group of operations The two representatives of the Libyan Presidential Council, Musa Al-Koni and Abdullah Al-Lafi, inspect the group of operations to establish security and support the security services, at the Ras Jadir border crossing, Libya, on March 29, 2024. Photo by Iraqi Presidency Office

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Libya's special envoy resigned. What's next for the country? - Atlantic Council

The long-standing impasse between Libyas state Trucks and Buses Co (TbCo) and Italys IVECO over outstanding debts to the Italian company was finally broken last week by IVECO agreeing to receive small, part repayments of TbCos debt over a period of time.

Highly placed sources close to the matter informed Libya Herald that much work has been ongoing for months and years in the background to resolve the matter. TbCo has agreed to pay an initial sum as a sign of good faith and to unlock the deadlock. This will enable it to import some spare parts to start some production which will be sold to generate revenue to pay wages.

The cycle of small debt repayment will continue step by step until production is stepped up and larger chunks of the debt can be repaid.

The presence of Italys Minister of Companies and Industry Adolfo Urso during the Libya International Conference on Industry and Technology in Tripoli (20-21 May), and the signing of a Joint Statement with the Industry Ministry, contributed to a long process of ending the TbCo-IVECO deadlock.

The Joint Statement, Libyas Ministry of Industry and Minerals said, expressed the desire of the two parties to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Minister of Industry and Minerals, Ahmed Abuhisa, said that the ministry will seek to put the recommendations of the agreement into practice, explaining that the terms of the friendship and partnership agreement concluded with Italy in 2008 entered into force.

For his part, the Italian Minister of Companies and Industry, during his speech at the conference, stressed the depth of the strategic partnership with Libya, especially in the fields of energy, oil and gas, and readiness for joint work and support for strategic projects for energy production in Libya, to meet local needs and export abroad.

Can this formula be replicated? The question that must be asked is: Can this formula and template be repeated by other companies and countries to unlock their gridlocks with Libya?

Other stalled projects? Can the thousands of stalled contracts and projects across Libya with tens of companies and countries be resolved following a similar formula? Or is the TbCo-IVECO relationship a unique, historic one reflecting a unique situation? Does it reflect Italys desire to indeed forge a strategic relationship with Libya?

Thinking and acting outside the box Italy seems to have recognised the reality of the situation on the ground in Libya and chose to overlook conventional processes. It seems to have decided that it must think and work outside the box in order to start the ball rolling. It decided to walk the walk as well as talk the talk of close friendship and strategic partnership.

Hence, this is the questions that other companies and countries with a stalled business relationship/s with Libya must ask themselves if they consider doing business with Libya important enough. Do they consider Libya an important future strategic business partner or not or will they move on to easier markets?

The resolution of the TbCo-IVECO impasse seems to suggest that Italy does indeed view Libya as a strategic future partner across the mediterranean. Let us also hope that the current Libyan administration appreciate this and reciprocate accordingly as it takes two to tango. It takes two to establish a long-term win-win relationship.

Libyas state Trucks and Buses Company (TbCo) signs agreement with IVECO to restart production (libyaherald.com)

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Comment: The IVECO-TbCo impasse was resolved by hard work and determination to continue a business relationship ... - Libya Herald

Two Libyan olive oil brands from the mountain city of Gharian have won gold at the 9th Athens International Olive Oil Competition (AIOOC) 2024. The results were announced last Monday (20 May) but the competition was held 25 to 27 April in Sparta.

The winners were from the Almoshkat and Alajnaf olive presses.

The Libyan olive oils were able to outperform participants from 24 countries and more than 600 olive oil samples from around the world after the samples were evaluated by an international jury of 30 experts and tasters in olive oil quality.

Libyan olive oils have won many international awards over the past years (see links below).

Two Libyan olive oil brands win gold at Genevas European International Olive Oil Competition (EIOOC) 2024 (libyaherald.com)

Advancing the diversification of Libyas economy through planting high density olive trees for olive oil production (libyaherald.com)

Libyan winners of Japanese and Norwegian international olive oil competitions honoured (libyaherald.com)

Libyan olive oils win three prizes at the Japan Olive Oil Prize 2023 (libyaherald.com)

An olive oil industry can diversify the economy and earn foreign currency: Head of SME programme (libyaherald.com)

First National Olive Oil Prize launched (libyaherald.com)

Libyan olive oil from Gharian wins two international prizes during May (libyaherald.com)

Libyas Libico olive oil from Gharian wins another international prize (libyaherald.com)

Libyan olive oils win prizes at Berlin awards plans to increase production | (libyaherald.com)

Libico olive oil exported to Italy | (libyaherald.com)

Libyan Export Promotion Centre discusses with Italian Chamber export of olive oil, dates and tuna to Italy and Europe | (libyaherald.com)

Libya organizes non-oil exports conference Tripoli, 16-17 March | (libyaherald.com)

Libya considering allowing fish exports to EU | (libyaherald.com)

Libyan dates exported to Morocco through Benghazi port | (libyaherald.com)

Libya takes first steps towards exporting fish to Europe | (libyaherald.com)

Oil and olive oil fair opens in Tripoli | (libyaherald.com)

Never mind the oil, what about the olive oil? | (libyaherald.com)

Eighth Libyan Dates and Associated Industries exhibition opens in Tripoli | (libyaherald.com)

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Two Libyan olive oil brands win gold at Athens International Olive Oil Competition 2024 - Libya Herald

AmCham Libya reported to Libya Herald that it hosted a meeting in Tripoli with senior U.S. Embassy officials, including Charg daffaires Jeremy Berndt and Department of Commerce Commercial Attach Keith Kirkham, on Tuesday 21 May.

AmCham members, it revealed, had the opportunity to hear from Embassy officials about recent developments that impact U.S. companies doing business in Libya and discuss issues of interest with the visiting officials.

Leading U.S. companies active in Libya attended, including AbbVie, Caterpillar, ConocoPhillips, GardaWorld, GE Vernova Halliburton, Hertz, Hill International, Medtronic, Merck, Orkin, PepsiCo, SLB and Visa.

The U.S. Government officials, it added, passed the message about the importance of commercial engagement between the U.S. and Libya. The evidence of this has been the policy, since 2023, to strongly support visa issuance for Libyan businesspeople to attend trade fairs and other business-related meetings in the U.S.

The companies present had the opportunity to ask questions of the officials, which included things such as what the U.S. Government perception was about the future economic prospects in Libya, whether there will be U.S. Consular services offered in Libya and how to convince reluctant U.S. companies to more energetically engage in Libya.

Debbie Hirst, President of Amcham Libya, told Libya Herald, We were thrilled to receive the Embassy visitors. It shows the priority the U.S. Government is putting on the commercial sector and adds support to our belief that commercial engagement can be transformational for the future of Libya.

The Embassy informed the group that they intend to engage more frequently in the future, and we are grateful for that, and look forward to supporting them in their efforts on the commercial side.

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AmCham Libya hosts a meeting in Tripoli with senior U.S. Embassy officials - Libya Herald

On a three-day mission to Ghadames, Derj and Awal last week, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Georgette Gagnon, discussed with more than 100 community leaders, youth and women their concerns and proposed solutions to advance sustainable development and peace in their communities, and how the government and the United Nations in Libya can further support their efforts.

Representatives stressed their need for basic services, including improved healthcare and psychosocial support, inclusive education and community facilities, particularly for youth and women. They highlighted the large gap in employment opportunities and the lack of equal access to employment in the public sector.

I heard many concerns on the need for trained healthcare professionals, quality education facilities and wider infrastructure needs such as water, transportation and roads, said DSRSG Gagnon. Through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the UN in Libya has been working with the government to support communities, but more financial support is clearly needed from the government to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for all, she added.

In a dedicated youth meeting in Ghadames city, DSRSG Gagnon also launched UNSMILs new youth strategy #YouEngage, with a focus on advocating for young women and men and offering training and networking opportunities to build their skills. Young peoples recommendations will be consolidated and relayed to decision-makers within Libya, and internationally, to ensure the voices of youth are amplified in national and local efforts to solve the countrys current challenges.

I had the great honor of visiting the old city of Ghadames and witnessing the efforts and plans to restore this unique city of peace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the oldest and most celebrated Saharan cities, Gagnon said, highlighting the urgent need to secure and preserve Ghadames rich cultural and economic identity.

As part of the mission, DSRSG Gagnon visited three sites in Awal, Derj and Ghadames where UNDP Libya is supporting sustainable development through the installation of solar panels to provide electricity for lighting in medical facilities, a mosque and throughout the Ghadames old citys tourist trail. The DSRSG visited a refurbished and equipped womens training center in Derj and a primary school in urgent need of rehabilitation in Awal where she also met with municipal leaders and Touraeg notables to discuss the communitys concerns.

People in Ghadames, Derj and Awal spoke about the great human and economic potential in their communities to advance sustainable development, Gagnon said, adding that such potential can be fully realized with increased development support and investment from government.

The UN in Libya will continue to support and work with communities and governmentauthorities across Libya to accelerate sustainable peace and development for the benefit of all people in the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

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Libya: In Ghadames, Derj and Awal, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General (DSRSG) Gagnon ... - Ventures Africa