The digital playground is no longer just fun and games; it’s a high-stakes arena for mental health. Research by France’s National Health Agency (ANSES) also indicates that social media use significantly affects adolescents’ mental health, with girls being more vulnerable. Experts note that the length of time spent on platforms and the type of interactions directly affect mental health. Specific risks for adolescent girls and pressure on body imageResearch highlights specific risks that adolescent girls face on social media. The nature of social media use, the time spent, and the type of content exposure are crucial in shaping teens’ mental health.

Publicly, the talks were about strengthening Libya’s “institutions” (Central Bank, the NOC, and budget oversight bodies). For Haftar’s camp, it means securing tolerated access to oil value outside that system, through crude-in-kind arrangements, parallel commercial channels, and Tripoli’s willingness to avoid enforcement when eastern networks divert or pressure flows. These arrangements are tolerated on both sides as long as they remain roughly balanced (“strengthening institutions). When Tripoli tightens access to FX, audits spending, or slows budget releases, the east applies pressure through oil production or export threats. When eastern networks expand off-books crude flows too far, Tripoli responds through legal action, payment freezes, or international exposure.

Bloomberg reported last Wednesday (28 January) that the Libyan Foreign Bank (LFB), a subsidiary of the Central Bank of Libya, has filed a lawsuit against Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance (a guarantor for the debt) and a Zimbabwean state-owned fuel distribution company, seeking repayment of debts exceeding US$ 100 million. The report states that the lawsuit was filed last November in a British court. The LFB asserts that Zimbabwe has failed to meet its financial obligations under the credit facility. Furthermore, the Bloomberg report says documents indicate that the Zimbabwean state-owned fuel distribution company only repaid US$ 5.5 million in four instalments between 2013 and 2023. The outstanding debt, including interest, now exceeds US$ 100 million.

Libya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have suffered an early setback after the national team failed to secure a single friendly match during the upcoming March international break. Despite repeated efforts by the Libyan Football Federation, no opponent has been confirmed, leaving the technical staff without a crucial opportunity to assess the squad ahead of competitive action. The national team, sources say, continues to bear the brunt of these shortcomings. The “Mediterranean Knights” missed out on qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the upcoming World Cup, and the Arab Cup hosted in Doha. Libya have not reached the continental finals since 2012, and fans are desperate to see the national team end a long and painful absence from Africa’s biggest football stage.

The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) announced that it has received international approval to import US$ 600 million monthly in cash, for the first time in 15 years. Citizens can withdraw this amount in cash through exchange companies and offices. The statement added that licensed foreign exchange bureaux are now operational and ready to provide the dollars in cash. Dollar imports to Libya were halted in 2013 following a robbery at the CBL branch in Sirte attributed to Islamists / the Islamic State. As part of its reforms, the CBL is hoping these measures will bring down the price of the foreign exchange rate of the US dollar on Libya’s black-market.

I write in reference to the article US forces to conduct 'readiness exercise' in Middle East amid tension with Iran (January 27): more Iranians will die if the US does launch an attack. They will also live to regret the consequences, like those living in Libya and Iraq. While India has taken a firm stand against these measures, several other countries have stepped forward to strengthen trade ties with it. In this context, the dramatic development between India and the EU is particularly significant. You can disagree with her all you want, you don‘t attack people with praying liquids on them.

Libyan public opinion has been shaken in recent hours after a leaked video circulated from inside a private clinic in the capital, Tripoli. The footage showed the bodies of newborn babies and amputated human organs stored frozen in a refrigerator, prompting the relevant authorities to open urgent investigations. According to the circulated footage, the bodies of newborn babies and human organs wrapped in plastic bags were shown stored frozen inside the clinic. Security raid and reports of a temporary closureAfter the video spread, additional clips circulated on social media showing security forces raiding the clinic and cordoning it off. Clinic’s explanation for amputated parts, legal proceduresRegarding the amputated parts shown in the clips, the clinic said that the relevant laws and regulations require clinics to retain any amputated parts and hand them over to their owner for burial.

Libya’s second largest state mobile telecoms company, Almadar Aljadid, announced last Tuesday (27 January) the launch of its 5G service, becoming the first Libyan national operator to offer this serviceAlmadar said the new 5G service will offer faster internet, higher responsiveness, and an unprecedented experience. The company said phase one of the rolled out will see the service being launched in the capital Tripoli first, with the rest of Libya to follow soon. ‎The introduction of the first 5G service in Libya is a real qualitative leapAlmadar said the introduction of the first 5G service in Libya is a real qualitative leap, as it provides ultra-fast speeds, low latency and unprecedented connectivity quality, with thoughtful and competitive packages and prices comparable to what is applicable in neighbouring countries, ensuring an advanced digital experience that meets the aspirations of users.‎‎A strategic turning point in the digital transformationIt said this achievement represents a strategic turning point in the digital transformation process in Libya, where the fifth generation is expected to play a pivotal role in developing health services through telemedicine, upgrading the educational process through smart solutions and platforms, as well as stimulating the national economy, supporting entrepreneurship, and enabling innovation and modern technologies.‎‎Almadar said this launch comes as a confirmation of its commitment to leading the future of telecommunications in Libya, enhancing digital infrastructure, and providing advanced technical solutions that keep pace with global development, contribute to achieving sustainable development and building a promising digital future for all citizens of the country.‎Initial reports to Libya Herald, at the time of publication, indicate that the service is not widely available in Tripoli, but confined to just a few central parts of the capital. Libya’s state mobile company Almadar to launch 5G services soon

A report by Africa Intelligence revealed that an undisclosed meeting was held on Wednesday, at the Élysée Palace in Paris, between Ibrahim Dbeibah, adviser to the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, and Saddam Haftar, under French-American sponsorship. According to the report, the meeting discussed ways to reach an agreement leading to the unification of Libya’s national institutions, amid the continued political division and the failure of previous UN-led tracks. The meeting was coordinated by the French president’s special envoy to Libya, Paul Soler, in cooperation with the US president’s adviser for African and Middle Eastern affairs, Massad Boulos, the report said. Africa Intelligence explained that “the ongoing talks addressed the possibility of forming a unified government in which the main factions would share responsibilities under the leadership of a single prime minister, in an attempt to overcome the deadlock that has stalled elections for years.”Boulos visited Tripoli on 25 January to take part in the opening of the Libya Energy and Economy Summit, organized by the Government of National Unity, before heading to Benghazi to meet Saddam Haftar. In early September last year, Italian media revealed that a secret meeting had been held in Rome between representatives of the two sides of the Libyan conflict, in a move described as the first of its kind in years.

The Chairman and members of the Board of Libya’s South Refinery Company met with a high-level delegation from the American company KBR (Kellogg Brown and Root) last Tuesday (27 January), Libya’s Zallaf Oil and Gas Company reported. Zallaf said the meeting comes as part of the final preparations for signing the contract for technical support and project management services for the refinery project. The two parties agreed at the meeting that the technical support and project management services contract is scheduled to be signed in early February. KBR stated that this collaboration will enable it, as a global leader in engineering consulting and major project management, to manage the South Refinery project and provide technical support and consulting services to ensure the project’s completion according to the highest engineering and professional standards. It will be recalled that KBR signed an MoU with the Libyan Telecommunications Holding Company (LPTIC) last Friday (23 January) to improve Libya’s telecoms sector.

The head of the Presidential Council, Mohamed Menfi, met on Thursday in the city of Zawiya with a broad range of representatives from coastal areas and the Western Mountain region, according to his media office. The meeting was attended by mayors, security directors, military and security leaders, elders, tribal figures and sheikhs, as well as representatives of civil society organisations, university academics, national figures and local community leaders. In remarks during the meeting, Menfi stressed the longstanding national importance of Zawiya and the coastal and Western Mountain regions, highlighting their role in supporting efforts toward comprehensive national reconciliation aimed at healing divisions and unifying the country. He said Libya, drawing inspiration from its historical legacy, continues to believe in dialogue as an approach, engagement as a means, and partnership as the foundation for shaping the future of coming generations — guided by the sacrifices of previous generations in resisting colonialism and achieving independence under a unified national banner.

Libya’s Acting Oil and Gas Minister, Khalifa Abdel Sadig announced last Sunday (25 January) plans to drill between 70 and 100 new oil and gas wells this year at the Libya Energy and Economy Summit (LEES 2026) held in Tripoli from 24 to 26 January. He said this comes as part of the country’s strategy to revive exploration activities and increase production. More than 30 wells drilled in 2025Abdel Sadig revealed that the country drilled more than 30 wells last year, emphasizing that the renewed momentum reflects improved stability, a clearer regulatory framework, and growing international confidence. New licensing round results to be announced this FebruaryThe minister also revealed that the strategy hinges on launching the first major licensing round in 17 years, encompassing 22 onshore and offshore blocks, with results expected to be announced next February.

Bloomberg reported that the Libyan Foreign Bank has filed a lawsuit against Zimbabwe’s finance minister and the country’s national oil company, seeking repayment of debts exceeding $100 million. The case was filed last November before a British court and relates to loans granted under a credit facility dating back to 2001. The Libyan Foreign Bank stated that Zimbabwe failed to meet its financial obligations, noting that the Zimbabwean oil company paid only $5.5 million in four installments between 2013 and 2023, while the current value of the outstanding debt, including interest, has exceeded $100 million. According to the Libyan Foreign Bank, Zimbabwe’s finance minister at the time the agreement was signed approved the arrangement under which the ministry would guarantee the debt. The bank added that Zimbabwean government officials have repeatedly acknowledged the outstanding debt since 2005 in official correspondence with the lender.

The High Council of State (HCS) has called for greater security and service coordination to address the challenges posed by irregular migration. The council discussed the issue and its security and social implications during a meeting in Tripoli on Tuesday with representatives of the Security Support and Assistance Agency. HCS President, Mohamed Takala, alongside members of the National Security and Anti-Corruption committees, met senior agency officials to examine the impact of irregular migration on Libyan society. Discussions focused on ways to curb the phenomenon and regulate migrant labour in line with national interests, while limiting its negative effects on security and stability.

Tripoli – The first meeting of the Euro-Maghreb Center for Research and Strategic Studies’ research group commenced today. It was held at the Libyan Higher Academy for Strategic Studies. The Director of the Libya Center for Strategic Studies and Research participated. The Secretary-General of the Euro-Maghreb Center for Research and Strategic Studies also joined. It included a presentation by the Secretary-General of the Euro-Maghreb Center for Research and Strategic Studies.